PHNOM PENH: On April 1, 2025, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, HE Hem Vandy, hosted a delegation from Smart Eden, led by CEO Laurent Strauch and Oknha Hun Lak, to discuss collaborative efforts in expanding the export of Cambodian products to the French market.
Laurent Strauch reported that Smart Eden, since 2024, has been successfully exporting Cambodian cashew nuts and mango seedlings, receiving positive feedback from French consumers. He provided an overview of Smart Eden’s operations, highlighting its extensive distribution network, which spans over 6,000 sales locations across France.
Strauch outlined Smart Eden’s expansion plans, stating, “We aim to increase the export of Cambodian products from 10 to 15 items in 2025, including rice, pepper, palm sugar, and charcoal. We also intend to initiate the production of cashew butter for export to France.”
Furthermore, Strauch expressed Smart Eden’s interest in establishing Cambodia as a strategic regional hub for the distribution of high-quality French products.
HE Hem Vandy commended Smart Eden for its successful export of Cambodian cashew nuts and mango seedlings. He emphasized, “The Royal Government of Cambodia prioritizes the development of the cashew sector as a strategic commodity. Our goal is to position Cambodia as a leading global supplier of cashew products.”
The Minister stressed the significance of market-driven supply chain integration to achieve economies of scale and meet market demands.
HE Hem Vandy also briefed the delegation on the Cambodian government’s initiatives to enhance the national quality infrastructure, which includes laboratory services, national standards, and research and development, particularly within the food sector, to improve product standards and stimulate Cambodian exports.
“The Ministry supports companies in the production of cashew butter, and we encourage businesses to explore other potential Cambodian products in collaboration with the Ministry’s working group and partners, such as Cambodian entrepreneurs,” HE Hem Vandy concluded.
