PHNOM PENH: On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce hosted the second meeting of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) for the European Union-German Global Access and Trade Expertise, or EU-German GATE project.
The meeting was co-chaired by Her Excellency TEKRETH Kamrang, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce.
The meeting focused on key project activities, with a particular emphasis on the promotion of exports of target products, including cashews and pepper. Other topics included:
- Formulating and implementing trade policies in preparation for Cambodia’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
- Negotiating the ASEAN Digital Trade Framework Agreement.
- Strengthening trade competitiveness for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The committee reviewed the progress of these activities and provided strategic guidance to ensure the successful implementation of the project’s next steps.
Cambodia’s Push for Cashew Processing
The focus on cashew exports aligns with Cambodia’s national strategy to become a global leader in cashew production and processing. Prime Minister Hun Manet has highlighted the importance of increasing high-value production to create jobs, boost farmers’ incomes, and strengthen Cambodia’s role in the global cashew market.
Prime Minister Hun Manet recently noted that cashews are a high-potential agricultural product and that the Royal Government is implementing policies to promote investment in domestic processing facilities. This will help generate employment, increase added value, and enhance exports.
Cambodia has a vast potential for cashew cultivation across multiple provinces. In 2024, the country became the world’s second-largest producer of raw cashew nuts, with a total output of 850,000 tonnes, a 26% increase from the previous year. The country currently has over 580,000 hectares of cashew plantations.