Upgrading Cambodia's Fisheries: Enterprises Supported Through CAPFISH-Capture's Investment Support Facility (ISF) to Enhance Sustainability and Market Access

The CAPFISH-Capture project is part of the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC)'s CAPFish programme, co-funded by the European Union (EU). The project, jointly implemented by the Fisheries Administration (FiA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), aims to support local fishery enterprises in improving their operations. 

In addition to the project's existing VCIS scheme, which provides equipment and technical assistance to eligible enterprises, the ISF further supports enterprises and eligible input suppliers by offering loans and targeted technical assistance to enhance operational facilities. This complementary approach aims to increase productivity and improve product safety and quality. Mr. Gunther BEGER, Managing Director of UNIDO's Directorate for SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, emphasized the significance of the ISF initiative, stating, "Through our ongoing collaboration with the RGC, development partners, and participating financial institutions, we can greatly benefit local post-harvest fishery enterprises. It aims to enhance the value and volume of safer fish products, making them more competitive in international markets, including the EU."

Highlighting the social impact of the initiative, Bryan FORNARI, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, remarked, "I do believe in the ripple effects of food safety as a catalyst for economic growth. When enterprises comply with food safety standards, including traceability, they can not only grow locally but also expand internationally, creating more jobs, especially for women, and enhancing public health."

H.E. Tina DITH, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), congratulated the CAPFISH-Capture project and the CGCC on their progress. "The ISF and food safety standards, including traceability, represent a promising effort that will help boost Cambodia's GDP and promote systemic change in alignment with the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy. The effective implementation of these initiatives will not only support the sustainable growth of the agriculture and fisheries sectors but also bring widespread benefits to the Cambodian people."

In addition to supporting local enterprises with export potential, the CAPFISH-Capture project also launched a digital traceability system named CamTrace today. This system will enable these enterprises to export their fish and fishery products while allowing consumers to verify product origins. Currently, there are eight enterprises adopting the system. As more export-oriented enterprises follow suit, it will facilitate the export of safe, high-quality fish and fishery products.

The CAPFISH-Capture project, through its ISF, represents a pivotal effort to bolster Cambodia's fisheries sector, ensuring that local enterprises thrive in a competitive global market. This initiative ultimately contributes to the nation's economic resilience and public health.

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

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