Cambodia’s fisheries sector eyes export-driven future as EU-backed CAPFISH-Capture project nears completion

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 8, 2025) — With a surge in safer fish products, thousands of jobs created, and women-led enterprises thriving, Cambodia’s fisheries sector is preparing for life after one of its most transformative development initiatives.

More than 100 stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and development partners convened in Phnom Penh on Wednesday to mark the nearing conclusion of the EU CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries Development project, a €6 million effort that has reshaped Cambodia’s fish value chain ahead of its December 2025 wrap-up.

Funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by the Fisheries Administration (FiA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the project has focused on strengthening competitiveness, food safety, financial empowerment, and market access.

Since its launch, 568 beneficiaries have received tailored support in business planning and food safety, with women-led enterprises accounting for 62%. Among the operational milestones: 64 processors upgraded facilities and expanded markets, 33 MSMEs moved toward Cambodia Quality Seal or HACCP certification, and 11 MSMEs adopted CamTrace digital traceability tools to boost export readiness.

The initiative has mobilized over USD 6 million in combined project support, private financing, and MSME contributions, resulting in a 61% increase in the volume of safer fishery products and the creation or retention of 17,811 jobs, more than half held by women.

“The EU CAPFISH-Capture project has empowered MSMEs to grow and compete in domestic and international markets,” said H.E. Has Sareth, Secretary of State of MAFF. “The value-chain investment support should be replicated across other agricultural sectors.”

Dr. Thombathu Seetharama Shetty, UNIDO Senior Technical Advisor, emphasized the project’s role in elevating food safety and competitiveness. “MSMEs are achieving stronger livelihoods and greater export confidence,” he said.

Koen Everaert, Acting Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation, called the initiative a foundation for “sustainable, inclusive, and export-oriented growth in line with good international practices.”

Awards were presented to Value Chain Investment Support Facility (ISF) recipients, project partners, and standout MSMEs—dubbed “Leaders of Change”—as participants pledged to sustain progress through continued collaboration, policy alignment, and private-sector engagement.

As the CAPFISH-Capture component winds down, officials say its legacy will guide future efforts to position Cambodia as a regional leader in responsible, high-quality fisheries.