Cambodia Strengthens Food Control System to Boost Fish Trade, Market Access

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 6, 2025) — As the CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries Development project nears its conclusion in December, Cambodia has made significant progress in building a robust food control system for its fisheries sector.

Funded by the European Union and implemented by the Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the initiative aligns with international food safety standards. Officials say it will improve access to global markets and support local economic growth.

The project has established an official fisheries control system and technical guidelines to improve quality assurance. Twenty-two Cambodian enterprises have received the Cambodia Quality Seal certification, and nine have adopted the CamTrace digital traceability tool to meet international tracking standards.

Legal reforms include the new Fisheries Law, which took effect in June. The law aims to promote sustainable fishing and protect marine resources. Officials are preparing for the 2026 DG SANTE audit, which could allow Cambodian enterprises to export to the European Union.

The Fisheries Administration is also pursuing a memorandum of understanding with other ASEAN member states to strengthen regional trade. ​At a workshop Monday marking the end of the project’s first phase, Prak David, secretary of state at the agriculture ministry, praised the initiative’s achievements and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to food security, community well-being and inclusive growth.

“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,” said Koen Everaert, acting head of cooperation at the EU Delegation.

UNIDO Country Representative Sok Narin said Cambodia’s progress reflects strong local leadership and committed stakeholders. “Together, we are building a resilient fisheries sector that can thrive in a competitive global marketplace,” he said.

“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,” said Poum Sotha, delegate of the Royal Government and director general of the Fisheries Administration.

As the CAPFISH-Capture project wraps up, officials say efforts will continue to improve food safety compliance and export readiness in the local fish processing industry. Cambodia is positioning itself as a regional leader in responsible fisheries management.