On January 30, 2025, two important meetings took place that could impact the future of Cambodia’s agricultural export landscape. The first meeting involved Mr. Tsutomu Tamura, Deputy CEO of Nippon Koei Business Partners Co., Ltd., and H.E. Chea Vuthy, Secretary-General of the Committee for Investment of Cambodia. They discussed innovative processing methods targeting the international market for cashew nuts and shells, including vinegar production. Mr. Tamura expressed a strong interest in the Cambodian cashew industry. He unveiled plans to develop a project that would convert cashew waste into animal feed and produce vinegar and oil. In a separate meeting, Mr. Akira Sasaki, Managing Director of Inoue Calcium Corporation, spoke with H.E. Samheng Bora, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce. Their discussions focused on strategies to improve the marketability of processed Cambodian cashews and peppers in Japan. They explored investment opportunities aimed at strengthening Cambodia’s agro-processing sector. The talks emphasized the necessity of upholding high processing standards to enhance Cambodian agricultural products’ competitiveness while meeting the Japanese market’s specific expectations. H.E. Chea Vuthy urged both companies to make timely investment decisions, reiterating the Royal Government’s commitment to advancing the cashew processing industry in Cambodia. The Cambodian Cashew Association reports that the country hosts 50 cashew processing enterprises, including six medium-sized factories with annual production capacities ranging from 7,000 to 14,000 tons. The remaining 44 enterprises are small, family-run operations that do not have full-year production capabilities. In terms of production volume, Cambodia achieved significant progress in 2024, yielding a total of 850,000 tons of cashews — a remarkable 26 percent increase compared to 2023. (Read more) As these investments develop, the future looks promising for Cambodia’s cashew processing industry, paving the way for increased export opportunities and improved agricultural standards.