Japan Eyes Cambodia’s Cashew Sector for Agro-Processing Investment

KAMPONG THOM, Mar. 10, 2026 (KPT) — Japanese investors are studying opportunities in Cambodia’s cashew industry as the country seeks to expand agro processing capacity and add value to its agricultural exports, officials said Monday.

A delegation from 10 Japanese companies led by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) visited Kampong Thom Province to examine cashew farming and processing potential.

The group met provincial governor Nuon Pharath and toured the Prasat Sambour Rung Roeang Cashew Modern Agricultural Community as well as operations of Mirarth Agri Tech, a Japanese firm active in Cambodia’s agricultural sector.

Governor Pharath said the visit underscored strong prospects for cooperation in cashew processing, noting that authorities are working to create a favorable investment environment, including plans for industrial zones to host agro processing factories. Kampong Thom has already attracted investors from the United States, Japan, South Korea and China, he added.

The province, one of Cambodia’s largest agricultural regions, produces more than one million tons of rice annually and nearly 200,000 tons of cashew nuts from 160,000 hectares of plantations. Officials said Japanese interest could help Cambodia reduce reliance on raw exports and boost the value of its agricultural products.