AKP Phnom Penh, October 13, 2025 -- The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), on Oct. 13 announced the successful completion of EU CAPFISH Post-harvest Fisheries Development. 

Under the theme 'Transforming Cambodia Fisheries for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth, the project has witnessed milestones in Cambodia's journey toward modern, competitive, and community-driven fisheries development with potential replication across other value chains, said a press release AKP received this evening. 

Since its launch, the source continued, the project has boosted local fishery production driven by enhanced safety, quality, and innovation and has expanded market access. As of Oct. 13, 22enterprises are certified with the Cambodia Quality Seal (CQS), and 4 hold Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification. These gains mean quality assured, more nutritious products for consumers and better jobs, higher incomes, and stronger competitiveness for Cambodian businesses and communities.

The project has also significantly improved employment opportunities-especially for women-in the post-harvest fisheries sector. Small-scale fish processors and rural fish enterprises have gained access to better technologies, training, R&D, and market opportunities-allowing them to upscale sustainably and contribute meaningfully to the local and national economy.

"The EU CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries Development project has generated tangible socio-economic impact by improving food safety, expanding market access, enhancing livelihoods, and creating jobs within a more inclusive and sustainable fisheries sector. This is a showcase of UNIDO'S mandate of inclusive and sustainable industrial development," said Mr. Dejene TEZERA, Director, Division of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development, Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, UNIDO.

According to the press release, sustainability and inclusion have been at the central of the project's mission. The project promoted environmentally responsible practices-such as solar drying-and encouraged fish processors to comply with safeguards. Of the 64 fish processing enterprises supported, 46 are led by women and 3 by persons with disabilities, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship and ethical labour standards across the sector.

By strengthening domestic production and promoting local consumption, the project has reduced Cambodia's reliance on imported fishery products and enhanced its competitiveness in both local and global markets. These efforts directly support national food safety and contribute to broader food security across the region.

"Beyond the project metrics and milestones, most importantly, EU CAPFISH-Capture has built trust. It has fostered dialogue, cooperation and partnership among institutions, civil society, and private sector actors. It has demonstrated that donor-funded projects can and must have local ownership and entrepreneurship to be impactful. I am convinced that the strides made, will continue in the same pace during the years to come" said H.E. Igor DRIESMANS, EU Ambassador to Cambodia.

The CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries Development project stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through strategic collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. As it concludes, its legacy will continue to shape the future of Cambodia's fisheries sector-and inspire similar progress across other industries.

"The success of the EU CAPFISH-Capture project reflects how Cambodia's fisheries sector is evolving-anchored in quality, sustainability, and inclusion. What we achieved together with our partners is not just improved products, but improved lives. As we move forward, MAFF remains committed to scaling these results nationwide, ensuring that our fishers, processors, and entrepreneurs continue to benefit from a sector that is modern, competitive, and environmentally responsible." said H.E. DITH Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

AKP