We want to make the Cambodian cashew the ‘king of cashew’ for the world, the minister says, noting that processing at home will create jobs, raise farmer incomes, and boost export earnings. Cambodia’s ambition to transform its cashew industry into a globally competitive sector has gained momentum after senior officials welcomed potential Chinese investment to shift the Kingdom from raw exports to high-value processing. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), met on Tuesday with representatives of Kampu Nuts Agro Product and the China National Machinery Industry Corporation (SINOMACH) to discuss investment opportunities in processing plants and advanced machinery. The visiting delegation expressed strong interest in building facilities inside Cambodia. “We know Cambodia produces large, high-quality cashew nuts, and we hope to develop processing directly in the country of origin to meet the strong demand in China,” a Kampu representative said. Cambodia has grown into one of the world’s leading producers of raw cashew nuts. Official estimates put annual output at more than one million tonnes, much of it harvested in Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, and Ratanakkiri provinces. Yet most of this production is exported in raw form, mostly to Vietnam, where the nuts are processed before reaching international markets. Vanndy stressed that the Royal Government wants to change this pattern. “We want to make the Cambodian cashew the ‘king of cashew’ for the world,” he said, noting that processing at home would create jobs, raise farmer incomes, and boost export earnings. He added that MISTI is prepared to provide laboratory services, promote national standards, and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure Cambodia meets strict international requirements for food safety and quality. “We encourage investors to bring modern techniques and technology, while also working closely with farmers to strengthen the entire value chain,” he said. Chinese engagement comes as Cambodia pushes for greater agro-industrial diversification to reduce reliance on garments and attract higher-value manufacturing. China, the world’s largest consumer of cashew kernels, has become a key target market for Cambodia. Direct shipments of processed cashews to China would allow the Kingdom to capture more value domestically instead of sending raw nuts abroad. ndustry observers say Cambodia has the potential to become a regional hub for cashew processing if it can secure sustained investment and integrate farmers into modern supply chains. With government backing and Chinese partners willing to provide machinery and market access, the sector could undergo a rapid transformation in the coming years. For farmers, the shift promises higher incomes and greater stability. For investors, it represents a chance to tap into one of the fastest-growing segments of Cambodia’s agricultural economy. And for the government, it is an opportunity to turn a traditional crop into a global brand. According to the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), the country exported around 941,000 metric tons of raw cashew nuts in the first eight months of 2025, generating revenue of approximately $1.4 billion. Despite the strong performance, much of this volume continues to reach the Chinese market through third countries, limiting Cambodia’s potential gains. “This is an excellent opportunity to diversify our market and reduce dependency on a single buyer,” said Silot Uon, Chairman of CAC. “We are committed to facilitating this partnership and supporting our local traders to benefit from the growing Chinese demand.” Silot noted that ongoing discussions with Chinese partners, particularly in free trade zones (FTZs) could transform Cambodia’s export landscape.