Wednesday October 8, 2025
Kiripost —
As the CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries Development project nears completion in December 2025, Cambodia’s fisheries sector is marking major progress toward strengthening food safety standards and expanding global market access.
Funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the Fisheries Administration (FiA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in collaboration with UNIDO, the initiative has been instrumental in building a robust food control system that aligns with international standards, setting the foundation for sustainable growth and economic resilience.
The project has established an official fisheries control system and introduced technical guidelines to enhance quality assurance across the industry.
To date, 22 enterprises have earned the Cambodia Quality Seal (CQS) certification, bolstering their credibility both locally and abroad. Meanwhile, nine enterprises have adopted CamTrace, a digital traceability tool ensuring compliance with international tracking standards.
Legal reforms are also taking shape. The new Fisheries Law, which came into effect in June 2025, strengthens safeguards for sustainable fishing practices and the protection of marine resources.
Preparations are also underway for the crucial 2026 DG SANTE audit, a key milestone that will determine the eligibility of Cambodian enterprises to export to the EU. In addition, FiA is working toward a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with other ASEAN member states to boost regional trade cooperation.
At the project-end OUTPUT 1 workshop held on October 6, Prak David, Secretary of State at MAFF, underscored the project’s achievements, calling it a transformative phase for Cambodia’s fisheries sector. MAFF reaffirmed its commitment to advancing food security, community well-being, and inclusive economic growth.
Koen Everaert, Acting Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation, highlighted the significance of the upcoming audit. “Successfully passing this audit will unlock new market opportunities for low-risk fisheries products and solidify Cambodia’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high-quality fish products,” he said.
UNIDO reiterated its ongoing support in helping Cambodia meet global standards. “Cambodia’s progress reflects strong local leadership and dedicated stakeholders,” said Sok Narin, UNIDO Country Representative. “Together, we are building a resilient fisheries sector that can thrive in a competitive global marketplace.”
Echoing this sentiment, Poum Sotha, Delegate of the Royal Government and Director General of FiA, added, “This project goes beyond reports and certifications; it represents a legacy of change and a symbol of hope for a more prosperous future in our fisheries sector.”
As the CAPFISH-Capture project concludes, efforts will continue to enhance food safety compliance and export readiness within Cambodia’s fish processing industry. With these strides, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a regional leader in responsible and sustainable fisheries management.