AKP Phnom Penh, October 23, 2026 -- Following their successful participation in the international food exhibition SIAL Paris 2026, a high-level Cambodian delegation and representative local enterprises gathered at the Hilton Rotterdam Hotel for an intensive workshop focused on unlocking European trade opportunities.

The workshop, held on Oct. 22 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, was organised by the Ministry of Commerce with joint support from the European Union (EU) and the Federal Government of Germany.

Co-led by H.E. Someth Somnea and H.E Nam NAM Lynal, Under Secretaries of State of the Ministry of Commerce, the workshop aimed to equip Cambodian agri-food exporters with critical market intelligence to penetrate and expand their presence across European markets, particularly utilising the Netherlands as a strategic entry point.

The workshop aimed to strengthen capacity and prepare Cambodian enterprises to more effectively enter international markets by providing information on market trends, consumer demand analysis, and buyer expectations, while enhancing competitiveness and expanding market opportunities for Cambodia’s potential products, particularly within the markets of the Netherlands and the European Union.

On that occasion, the Undersecretaries of State commended the dedication and performance of Cambodian exhibitors at SIAL Paris, while emphasising the critical necessity of active buyer follow-ups and leveraging the Netherlands’ strategic position as a vital “Gateway to Europe” to upgrade value chains, meet rigorous standards, and expand exports of key Cambodian agri-food products, notably cashews, dried mangoes, and pepper.

In addition, Ms. Barbara NIEMANS, Secretary General of the Dutch Dried Fruit Association, a key trade body representing importers, distributors, and processors of dried fruits, grains, and spices in the Netherlands—delivered an in-depth presentation on recent market trends, shifting buyer demands, and import regulatory standards for the Dutch and European markets.

She also shared market information and provided strategic inputs to Cambodian enterprises, particularly in the cashew, dried mango, and pepper sectors, to prepare for penetrating and expanding market share in Europe through the trade gateway of the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jim FITZPATRICK, an international market expert, facilitated the debriefing and evaluation discussion on the participation in the SIAL exhibition (SIAL Debrief), focusing on reviewing progress, buyer feedback, and utilising gathered market intelligence to formulate strategies for tracking orders and developing products to effectively respond to international market trends with high efficiency.

By Sum Kosal