Chinese Investors Eye Cambodia’s Agro‑Processing Sector Amid Cashew Export Boom

PHNOM PENH, May 25, 2026 (KPT) — Chinese investors are expanding their interest in Cambodia’s agro‑processing sector as the Kingdom’s cashew exports continue to surge, reinforcing its role as a key agricultural supplier, officials said Monday.

Commerce Minister Cham Nimul met delegations from Guansheng Group, Mainland Group — parent company of KIMS Rubber (Cambodia) — and Zhisheng Energy to discuss investment cooperation in agro‑industry.

Company representatives outlined long‑term plans to invest in processing industries, focusing on high‑potential products such as cashew nuts and cassava for export to global markets.

Cham Nimul highlighted government efforts to improve Cambodia’s business environment and attract foreign investors, stressing the private sector’s role in driving growth. She welcomed Mainland Group’s decision to establish manufacturing and processing operations in Cambodia, describing it as a strong signal of confidence in the country’s political and economic stability.

The discussions came as cashew exports continued to rise despite climate challenges. Unofficial data from the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia showed more than 831,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts exported to Vietnam in the first four months of 2026, generating US$1.44 billion — up 24 percent year‑on‑year. In 2025, Cambodia exported one million tonnes worth US$1.5 billion, a 27 percent increase from 2024.

Officials and industry experts said growing foreign investment in agro‑processing could help Cambodia move further up the value chain by boosting domestic processing capacity and expanding value‑added exports to international markets.