Commercial Attaché at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in the Republic of Korea, Noun Phanit, held talks with Kim Ok Gyu, CEO of BG Environment Co Ltd at the Cambodian Embassy in Seoul to discuss potential trade and investment opportunities in Cambodia’s cashew sector. During the meeting, Kim said the company is conducting research and seeking additional information and support to begin importing cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) from Cambodia as an initial step. The company is also considering expanding its investment into Cambodia’s cashew processing industry in the future, according to the news statement of the Ministry of Commerce released yesterday. He said BG Environment has a long-term strategy that extends beyond importing cashew shells. The company plans to invest in Cambodia’s value-added processing industry by establishing processing facilities and developing a stable supply chain for raw cashew shells. It is also exploring partnerships with several Cambodian businesses that already operate cashew processing factories. Kim also requested support from relevant Cambodian authorities to streamline customs clearance and inspection procedures to reduce additional service fees and lower the high transportation costs of moving goods from factories to ports in Cambodia. BG Environment is currently developing technology to extract bio-oil and other by-products from cashew shells and has applied for patents related to the processing technology. Once the technology receives government approval, the company expects to secure substantial financial support from the South Korean government to expand its overseas trade and investment activities.