EuroCham Urges Agribusiness Reforms to Strengthen Food Security and Export Competitiveness

PHNOM PENH, June 2, 2026 (KPT) — The European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham) has urged faster agribusiness reforms as the European Union steps up support for food safety and export competitiveness.

In its White Book 2027, EuroCham called for stronger food safety regulations, sustainable farming practices, animal disease prevention and labor policies to boost productivity and market access. The chamber warned that rising costs, labor shortages, climate pressures and weak regulatory frameworks could erode long‑term competitiveness if reforms stall.

Recommendations include tighter controls on banned substances in livestock, stronger biosecurity against diseases such as H5N1 avian influenza, and expanded support for sustainable farming and contract agriculture.

The push comes as the EU pledged €2 million ($2.3 million) in March to establish a National Agricultural Laboratory under the EU‑German CAPSAFE partnership. The ISO‑accredited facility will provide testing services to help Cambodian products meet international sanitary and phytosanitary standards for high‑value markets.

EuroCham also urged deeper public‑private cooperation, tax incentives and technical assistance to accelerate adoption of sustainable practices. The chamber said modernizing agriculture standards is critical for Cambodia to expand exports, attract investment and strengthen resilience across its food supply chain.