The Royal Government of Cambodia is accelerating the establishment of the Cashew Industrial Park (CIP) in Kampong Thom province as part of efforts to attract investment in cashew processing factories, with operations expected to begin in 2027.

The initiative aims to fast-track the development of Cambodia’s cashew industry by strengthening domestic processing capacity, supporting farmers, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in global export markets. As part of this push, the government is approving Qualified Investment Projects (QIPs) for cashew processing factories both within the Cashew Industrial Park and in other potential provinces.

To support industrial operations, the government plans to connect the park to essential infrastructure, including drying yards, storage warehouses, laboratories, and facilities for processing cashew by-products. Authorities are also studying the feasibility of reducing electricity tariffs for agro-industrial businesses operating within the park to help lower production costs.

In addition, the government will establish a One-Window Service mechanism, modeled after Special Economic Zones (SEZs), to streamline export procedures and reduce administrative costs for private companies. This approach is intended to ensure that Cambodian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involved in cashew processing and exports can access and benefit from the industrial park.

The government is further assessing the possibility of introducing additional incentive packages specifically tailored to the cashew sector to attract more investment.

Silot Uon, President of the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), said the mid-term evaluation of the project reflects the government’s strong commitment to transforming Cambodia into a regional hub for cashew processing. He noted that the initiative is expected to strengthen the cashew value chain, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and increase the country’s export potential.