The event aims to boost investment in local cashew processing and connect farmers with international buyers

Phnom Penh — The Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) has announced plans to organize the first-ever Cam-cashew International Conference (CIF) in November 2026 or 2027, marking the beginning of an annual event that seeks to strengthen Cambodia’s position in the global cashew market.

According to CAC, the conference will serve as a platform to connect large international buyers with local producers and traders, encouraging investment in cashew processing and value-added production within Cambodia.

Although the country produces around one million tonnes of raw cashew nut annually, local processing facilities remain limited. CAC stated that the conference aims to attract both domestic and foreign investors to develop processing capacity, while also drawing interest from national and international institutions involved in the agricultural sector.

Unlocking Cambodia’s Cashew Potential

Research indicates that Cambodia’s cashew sector currently involves about 25,000 farming families, employs 38,000 full-time workers, and engages an additional 150,000 seasonal laborers during the harvest season. However, most of the country’s cashew nuts are exported raw to neighboring countries for processing.

Experts estimate that if all of Cambodia’s raw cashew production were processed locally, it could generate up to 10,000 new jobs and substantially increase the income of farmers and workers across the entire value chain.

“The Cam-cashew International Conference will create opportunities for farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs to collaborate more effectively and capture greater value from the sector,” CAC stated.

International Participation Expected

CAC expects around 150 representatives from companies, organizations, and individuals from Vietnam, India, China, Japan, and South Korea to attend the inaugural event. Participants, including companies, NGOs, and other stakeholders interested in promoting Cambodia’s cashew industry, will be invited to present and network with potential foreign buyers.

The conference will take place in the second week of November 2026, coinciding with the cashew harvest season—an ideal time for field visits and showcasing the country’s production capacity to investors.

Seeking Support and Sponsorship

To ensure the two-day event runs smoothly, CAC is seeking sponsorship and partnership support from relevant institutions and private sector partners. CAC emphasized that cooperation from both domestic and international stakeholders will be key to ensuring the success of the Cam-cashew International Conference.

“The conference is a significant milestone for Cambodia’s cashew industry,” Silot said. “It will not only promote investment and processing but also demonstrate Cambodia’s readiness to become a competitive player in the regional and global cashew market.”