Phnom Penh – Cambodia is moving fast to make its fishing industry safer and more market‑ready. The CAPFISH‑Capture: Post‑harvest Fisheries Development project, funded by the European Union, is wrapping up in December and has already set up a full food‑control system across the country.
The Fisheries Administration (FiA), part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, ran the programme with help from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). The goal was simple: get fish and fish products to meet international safety rules so that Cambodian producers can export more widely and grow local businesses.
Key wins
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Quality seal for 22 companies – The programme handed out the Cambodia Quality Seal to 22 firms. The seal shows that the fish they produce follows strict safety practices, giving buyers confidence in both Cambodia and overseas markets.
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Digital tracing for nine firms – Nine other companies signed up for the CamTrace online tracking system. CamTrace lets buyers see every step a fish takes – from the sea to the table – and satisfies the traceability rules that many export markets require.
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New laws and future audits – A new Fisheries Law, effective from June 2025, offers stronger protection for fish stocks and the marine environment. FiA is preparing for a 2026 audit by DG SANTE – the European Union’s health watchdog – which will help Cambodian producers get on the EU’s export list. The audit’s success could open yet more high‑value markets for low‑risk fish products.
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Regional trade plans – FiA is also negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding with other ASEAN countries to boost trade and cooperation in the fisheries sector.
Koen Everaert, acting head of EU cooperation in Cambodia, said: “Passing the DG SANTE audit will unlock new market opportunities and solidify Cambodia’s reputation as a trusted source of high‑quality fish.”
UNIDO’s country representative, Sok Narin, added: “We’re committed to helping Cambodia meet global standards and expand market access. Together, we’re building a resilient fisheries sector that can thrive in a competitive global marketplace.”
Cambodia’s efforts to tighten food safety and traceability, combined with new legal protections, are turning the kingdom’s fisheries into a stronger player on the world stage. As the CAPFISH project closes, the next step is a national audit that could open the door to wide‑scale export growth, bringing fresh seafood straight from Cambodian waters to tables around the world.
Source: ianslive
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