Cambodia Showcases High-Value Agricultural Exports as New Land Route to China Opens Growth Opportunities

PHNOM PENH, July 2, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia is promoting high-value farm products while capitalizing on a newly opened overland corridor to China via Laos, a move officials say will boost exports, cut delivery times and raise rural incomes.

At a Customs and SME Association Forum, Chhay Chim, director of the Agriculture Ministry’s agro-industry department, spotlighted export potential in rice, cashew nuts, pepper, bananas, coconuts, Pailin longan, durian and edible bird’s nests.

Rice remains the flagship crop, with annual paddy output of about 15 million tonnes, six million of which are exported. Cashew nut production tops one million tonnes, though only 5–10 percent is processed locally, leaving scope for value-added investment.

Chhay pointed to Cambodia’s premium pepper industry, noting GI-certified Kampot Pepper enjoys strong demand in Europe, especially Germany. Processed Kampot red and white pepper can fetch up to US$70 per kilogram, while premium black pepper exported to Japan reaches US$75.

Other strategic crops include bananas, aromatic coconuts and durian, while edible bird’s nests are emerging as a high-value niche.

Prime Minister Hun Manet this week announced Cambodia can now ship farm goods directly to China by road, reducing transport time from 15–20 days by sea to about one week.

Ministry spokesman Khim Finan said the corridor will initially carry bananas, mangoes, rice, Pailin longan, cassava starch and durian. He described the route as a major achievement of Cambodia–Laos cooperation that will create new business opportunities and strengthen competitiveness.

Agriculture Minister Dith Tina said the sector contributed 16.1 percent of GDP in 2025, generating more than US$8.3 billion in value added and remaining a key economic pillar.