A leading South Korean business delegation has met with the acting head of state, to discuss the possibility of investing in the Kingdom’s cashew production industry.
At present, Cambodia is one of the world’s largest producers of cashew nuts, but around 90 per cent are exported raw, predominantly to Vietnam, meaning a large amount of value is lost.
Chairman of Daejoo and KC Group Park Joo Bong, who serves as president of the Incheon Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), met with Senate president Hun Sen in Phnom Penh on May 26, to discuss the company’s interest.
Joo Bong noted said that Cambodia is attracting significant interest from South Korean investors as well as other foreigners, due to its strong security and stability. At present, his group is seeking further opportunities to invest in Cambodia’s agricultural sector, with a particular focus on cashew cultivation and production.
Hun Sen expressed appreciation for the interest shown by South Koreans, noting that Cambodia has many products suitable for investment, particularly agricultural raw materials. He explained that the core of Cambodia–South Korea relations lies in trade and investment, and the visit of South Korean investors to Cambodia at this time presents additional opportunities for investment in the country.
“What Cambodia needs further are investors who can process Cambodia’s agricultural products for export to the Korean market as well as to global markets,” he said.
He also highlighted the strategic partnership between the two nations. He expressed hopes that in the future, especially on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and South Korea, the two countries would elevate ties further to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The lack of infrastructure for preserving cashew nuts — including storage facilities and working capital — is a major reason why a large volume of raw cashew nuts continues to flow to foreign markets. Most of Cambodia’s raw cashew nuts are exported to Vietnam, where there are numerous cashew processing factories and enterprises.
According to unofficial data from the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), between January and April 2026, Cambodia exported approximately 831,179 tonnes, generating $1.44 billion.
In 2025, Cambodia exported 1,000,757 tonnes of raw cashew nuts, up 27 per cent from 2024, while revenue reached approximately $1.5 billion, according to CAC data.
