PHNOM PENH: Cambodia, ranking as Asia’s fourth-largest cassava exporter, is striving to increase the value of its cassava exports by shifting from raw material exports to domestic processing.
According to the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), the government is actively working with industry stakeholders to explore opportunities for value-added production.
During a recent meeting with H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of MISTI, Oknha Chray Son, President of the Cassava Federation of Cambodia, highlighted the significant economic potential of the sector.
Minister Vanndy emphasized the importance of transitioning towards a value-added production model. By processing cassava domestically, Cambodia can create a wider range of products, such as starch, bread, biscuits, chips, beverages, and even industrial goods like paper. This shift would not only enhance the economic value of the crop but also improve the livelihoods of farmers and diversify the country’s industrial output.
Oknha Chray Son emphasised the sub-sector’s vast potential, as Cambodia is also currently the world’s tenth-largest cassava exporter, with 60,000 to 80,000 hectares under cultivation, the vast majority (95%) of its output is exported raw. This translates to approximately US$728 million in annual revenue, but the potential for increased earnings through domestic processing is substantial.
The government is supporting this transition through initiatives such as promoting value chain development, improving standards, supporting industry growth, enhancing research and development, and promoting digital inclusion among cassava-growing families.
By implementing these measures, the Cambodian government aims to transform the cassava industry into a key driver of economic growth and development.