CAC News
Kampong Thom, July 24, 2026 — The Skills Development Fund (SDF) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance has intensified efforts to strengthen Cambodia’s cashew processing industry by assessing workforce needs and designing industry-led training programs aligned with market demand.
A delegation led by H.E. Ky Sokkim, Chief Executive Officer of the Skills Development Fund, together with Silot Uon, Chairman of the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), visited the production facilities of Pinex Agro and MIRARTH Agri Tech in Kampong Thom province to inspect factory operations and discuss future workforce requirements.
The mission aimed to better understand the operational challenges, investment plans, and technical skill gaps faced by local processors. The findings will be used to develop targeted training programs that equip workers with the competencies required by Cambodia’s rapidly expanding cashew processing sector.
The initiative follows the recently signed partnership agreement between the Skills Development Fund (SDF),and the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC). The collaboration seeks to strengthen technical and vocational education while preparing a skilled workforce capable of supporting the country's growing agro-processing industry.
The initiative also supports the Royal Government’s National Policy on Cashew Nuts, which aims to transform Kampong Thom into Cambodia’s leading Cashew Processing and Export Hub through increased domestic processing, higher value-added production, and stronger export competitiveness.
During the field visit, the delegation observed production lines, evaluated processing technologies, and discussed workforce development priorities with factory management. Particular attention was given to identifying shortages in processing techniques, machinery operation and maintenance, quality management, food safety, and resource-efficient production.
Silot noted that Cambodia’s cashew industry is entering a critical phase of industrial development, requiring a workforce equipped with modern technical skills to meet international standards and support the sector’s long-term growth.
As a demand-driven financing mechanism, the Skills Development Fund is expected to co-invest with industry partners in closing these competency gaps by supporting practical, market-oriented training initiatives for processors and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The working mission also included strategic discussions between SDF, CAC, PIKT training institution the Polytechnic Institute of Kampong Thom (PIKT) under the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, and enterprise leaders to align training priorities with industry demand. The partners reviewed the roadmap for implementing a Training of Trainers (ToT) program and expanding processor capability-building projects that will supply skilled technicians, machine operators, mechanics, and quality-control personnel to Cambodia’s emerging cashew processing industry.
H.E. Ky Sokkim said strengthening cooperation between government, vocational institutions, and the private sector will be essential to ensuring Cambodia has a qualified workforce capable of supporting new processing investments and increasing the country's competitiveness in global cashew markets.
The initiative marks another step toward building a modern, skills-driven agro-processing sector that creates higher-value jobs, strengthens rural economies, and enables Cambodia to capture more value from one of its most important agricultural commodities.
