The second annual Cambodia Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum officially opened on Nov. 10 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 days.
The forum was opened under the presidency of H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, alongside H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, H.E. Hem Vanndy, the Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, H.E. Ms. Silke RÖFER, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Cambodia, and Mr. Bryan Fornari, Chargé d’Affaires, Delegation of the European Union to Cambodia.
The event gathered 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.
Implemented by GIZ in collaboration with EuroCham and CPSF Cambodia, the Forum started 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.
H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, said that 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,” she said.
H.E. Ms. Silke RÖFER, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Cambodia, said that Germany is proud to support Cambodia in strengthening its trade competitiveness and expanding its global connections, citing that she is 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,” she added.
Mr. Bryan Fornari, Chargé d’Affaires, Delegation of the European Union to Cambodia, said that 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,” he said.
The penal discussion highlighted 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.
