Cambodia eyes edible bird’s nest exports to China

Exports of bird’s nest will promote the conservation of bird houses in the Kingdom as well as create jobs for locals.

In all likelihood, Cambodia will export edible bird’s nests to the Chinese market in 2026 as nearly 1,000 bird houses have been registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Of these, the ministry has shortlisted six companies to coordinate and communicate with Chinese customs authorities.

Suy Kokthean, President of the Khmer Swiftlet Association (KSA), Friday said that he has discussed the matter with the relevant ministries. The ministry has asked for six companies to work with the Chinese side so that they will approve the export of edible bird’s nests to China.

He said that the MAFF is currently working closely with swiftlet conservationists to ensure proper registration. To export to China, both companies and birds’ houses owners must be properly registered to facilitate traceability of product origins.

“So far, the ministry has registered nearly 1,000 bird houses, and I am confident that in the near future, Cambodia will be able to officially export edible-bird nests to the Chinese market,” Kokthean said.

Kokthean went on to add that once Cambodia exports edible-bird nests, prices are expected to increase, benefiting conservationists.

Edible bird’s nests are a high-value product, which will help generate additional national income. Moreover, exports will further promote the conservation of bird houses in Cambodia and create many jobs for local people.

“Edible-bird nest cannot be produced using machinery and must be harvested by hand. Therefore, increased exports could create thousands of jobs for Cambodians,” he said.

He also said that based on discussions with the relevant ministries, he expects Cambodia to officially export edible bird’s nests in 2026, as authorities have been making earnest efforts to accelerate the registration.

Regarding production capacity, Kokthean said it is not yet possible to estimate how many edible bird’s nests each bird house can produce. However, once registration is completed, production volumes for each house will be clearer.

He noted that China has not yet announced the permitted import volume. He is currently collecting additional data to determine how much Cambodia will be allowed to supply to the Chinese market.

It may be recalled that last year, Agriculture Minister Dith Tina and Sun Meijun, Minister of the General Administration of Customs of China, discussed measures to boost agricultural exports to the Chinese market, including edible bird’s nests.

Source: Khmer Times