NUBB Takes Leadership of FTRIP to Drive Research and Innovation in Cambodia's Food Industry

"Developed as part of the EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries project which is jointly implemented by the Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and UNIDO, FTRIP has achieved important milestones, supporting fish processing enterprises in tackling food quality, safety and production related issues. We thank the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) for its exceptional leadership and look forward to continued success under NUBB's hosting," stated Dr. Seetharama Shetty Thombathu, UNIDO's Chief Technical Advisor.

FTRIP has completed 23 applied research projects worth over USD 350,000, involving five HEIs, 68 faculty members, and 86 students. In addition, seven projects received an additional USD 150,000 for commercialization. It developed training modules on quality, trade, and HACCP, which are now adopted by universities; endorsed the Cambodia Enterprise Innovation Index (CEII); registered Prahok for Geographical Indication and supported four universities in establishing intellectual property frameworks. Additionally, the Cambodia Packaging Center (CPC), launched in December 2024 and now a full member of the World Packaging Organization (WPO), connects enterprises to regional and global technical support.

During its recent Steering Committee meeting on 17th July 2025, NUBB was handed the responsibility as the new host, signaling renewed commitment to research-driven innovation and public-private collaboration. H.E. Sok Khorn, Rector of NUBB, pledged his dedication to the platform's success, emphasizing new initiatives to benefit the food sector, researchers, students, and funding opportunities. Established in 2007, NUBB has gained growing recognition both nationally and internationally for its academic excellence, innovative research, and significant contributions to socio-economic development, especially in northwestern Cambodia. The university is well-positioned to elevate FTRIP's ongoing efforts to strengthen applied research within Cambodia's Higher Education Institutes, initially focusing on fisheries, with plans to expand into broader food production for lasting impact.

Highlighting FTRIP's vital role in fostering innovation, H.E. Dr. Hul Seingheng, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), emphasized: "To ensure sustainability, FTRIP members will continue supporting the platform's financial independence and collaboration, which are crucial for addressing agro-food sector challenges, ensuring food safety compliance, adding value, and enhancing competitiveness in both local and export markets, especially in the EU." 

Similarly, Dr. Khov Kuong, Deputy Director General of the Fisheries Administration, stated: "FTRIP plays a key role in policy development and food industry collaboration, particularly in post-harvest fisheries. I am confident that, under NUBB's leadership, the platform will continue delivering new technologies and adding value to Cambodia's fishery products and other agrifood products."

Ends – 

For more information, please contact:

1. Dr. Srean Pao, Vice-Rector, National University of Battambang, srean.pao@nubb.eddu.kh
2. Mr. Im Samruol, Communication and Visibility Expert: S.Im@unido.org  

More information about the project: https://open.unido.org/projects/KH/projects/180039

Project Newsletters: http://newslettercapfish-postharvest.org/achieve