Cambodia's 2nd Cashew & Pepper Trade Forum Opens to Drive European Market Access

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – 10 November 2026 – The second annual Cambodia Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum officially opened today at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, marking a major shift from sector policy dialogue to direct commercial partnership.

Organised by the Royal Government of Cambodia in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the Federal Republic of Germany, the flagship event convenes over 500 attendees alone and more are expected over the two-day. The event welcomes local processors, international buyers, exporters, service providers, international organisations, academia, private sector, EuroCham, cashew and pepper federations, and senior government leaders under the theme “Cambodia to the World – Spotlight on Trade with Europe.”

Capitalising on European Trade Momentum

The Forum starts on the back of recent European market promotion, including the Cambodia Pavilion at SIAL Paris 2026 and commercial outreach in Rotterdam, translating European interest into local commercial results. Rather than broad market introductions, the Phnom Penh platform allows European buyers to conduct pre-scheduled B2B matchmaking, negotiate supply contracts, and inspect Cambodian processing infrastructure firsthand. 

The opening ceremony brought together key ministers and diplomatic leadership, demonstrating strong alignment across policy, trade development, and international cooperation:

• Royal Government of Cambodia:

  Led by H.E. Mrs. CHAM Nimul, Minister of Commerce, alongside 

  H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and

  H.E. Hem Vanndy the Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI).

• European Diplomatic Leadership:

  H.E. Silke RÖFER, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Cambodia. 

  Mr. Bryan Fornari, Chargé d’Affaires, Delegation of the European Union to Cambodia.

Day 1 Opening Highlights & Key Figures

The morning sessions established Cambodia’s vision for positioning its signature agricultural crops in premium international markets:

• Insights from international experts including Ms. Marina N. Anggraini, Executive Director of the International Pepper Community, and global cashew expert Jim Fitzpatrick on market trends across Europe and ASEAN.
• High-level discussions on overcoming capital constraints for local processors, featuring Ministry of Economy and Finance, leading impact investors and development finance institutions including Emerging Market Investment, Dutch Fund for Climate and Development.
• Official handover of the new EU/ASEAN Market Access Guide, the Pepper Buyers Guide, and the Cashew Buyers Guide to the Ministry of Commerce, the Cambodia Cashew Federation (CCF), and the Cambodia Pepper and Spice Federation (CPSF).
• Active trade sessions and a service provider showcase organized with EuroCham Cambodia, connecting Cambodian SMEs directly with European buyers and technology providers.

Key remarks from Day 1

H.E. Mrs. CHAM Nimul, Minister of Commerce:
"As Cambodia consolidates its standing as a premier global sourcing destination for high-quality cashew, pepper, and agri-food products, the Ministry of Commerce remains resolute in driving export competitiveness and market diversification. Building upon the inaugural Forum, this second edition shifts decisively toward commercial realization—translating export readiness and international standards into high-value trade and investment partnerships."

H.E. Silke RÖFER, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Cambodia:
"Germany is proud to support Cambodia in strengthening its trade competitiveness and expanding its global connections. I am looking forward to seeing more Cambodian products on supermarket shelves and in restaurants across Europe. The potential is there. The opportunities are opening up. Now is the time to turn that potential into lasting business success." 

Mr. Bryan Fornari, Chargé d’Affaires, Delegation of the European Union to Cambodia:
"For the European Union, the message is clear: Europe is an important market for Cambodia, but the objective is broader than Europe alone. Meeting the standards of the EU market — on quality, food safety, traceability and reliability — helps Cambodian products become more competitive not only in Europe, but also in global markets."

Afternoon Focus: Product Differentiation & The "M23" Variety

The afternoon agenda highlights Cambodian product differentiation, including a panel debate on marketing Cambodia’s signature M23 giant cashew variety in Europe, along with market insights on consumer-packed pepper and flavour profiles led by La Plantation.

Looking Ahead: Days 2 and 3

The Forum continues tomorrow, 11 November, with opening remarks by Dr. Gidon Windecker (Deputy Head of German Development Cooperation, German Embassy to the Kingdom of Cambodia) and H.E. Samheng Bora (Secretary of State, MOC), focusing on post-harvest handling and technical market readiness workshops. 

On 12 November, international buyers and investors will take part in field visits to regional processing facilities and farms.

About the Cambodia Cashew & Pepper Trade Forum

The Cambodia Cashew & Pepper Trade Forum is Cambodia's flagship annual platform for promoting trade, investment, and innovation in the country's cashew and pepper sectors. Supported by the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany, the Forum is organized by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Cambodia. Industry partners include the Cambodia Cashew Federation (CCF), the Cambodia Pepper and Spice Federation (CPSF), and EuroCham Cambodia.