As the EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture project nears completion, Cambodia’s post-harvest fisheries sector is emerging stronger and more competitive. The multi-year project provided a major boost to the Kingdom’s efforts to boost food safety, market access, and the competitive of small businesses in the fisheries sector.
Implemented by the Fisheries Administration (FiA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in partnership with the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the EU CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries Development project has been a cornerstone initiative in advancing Cambodia’s fish value chain.
The project officially concludes in December 2025 after years of technical support, training and financial empowerment, all aimed at transforming micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the fisheries sector.
More than 100 stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and development partners gathered in Phnom Penh on October 8 to reaffirm the project’s achievements and chart the next steps to sustain its legacy beyond its closure.
“According to project data, 568 beneficiaries have received tailored support in business planning, financial management and food safety, with women-led enterprises making up 62 per cent of participants,” said a joint press release.
“A total of 64 processors have upgraded their facilities and expanded market reach, while 33 MSMEs are now progressing toward Cambodia Quality Seal (CQS) or international HACCP certification — critical benchmarks for export readiness.”
The project has also supported 11 MSMEs in adopting “CamTrace”, a digital traceability system that ensures transparency from catch to consumer, bolstering confidence in Cambodian fish products for both domestic and export markets.
Through a mix of project financial support, private financing and MSME contributions, more than $6 million was mobilised, resulting in a 61 per cent increase in the volume of safer fishery products and the creation and retention of 17,811 jobs, more than half held by women.
“The EU CAPFISH-Capture project has empowered MSMEs to grow and compete in domestic and international markets,” said Has Sareth, agriculture ministry secretary of state.
“Stakeholders and media have seen real improvements in operations, food safety and market access, and the value-chain investment support should be replicated across other agricultural sectors,” he added.
Seetharama Shetty Thombathu, UNIDO senior technical advisor, emphasised that the initiative had gone beyond short-term aid by instilling a competitive mindset across the fisheries industry.
“EU CAPFISH-Capture demonstrates how focused investment and technical support can elevate competitiveness and food safety in Cambodia’s post-harvest fisheries,” he said.
“MSMEs are achieving stronger livelihoods and greater export confidence,” he added.
Representing the EU Delegation, Koen Everaert, acting head of cooperation, underscored Europe’s long-standing commitment to supporting sustainable fisheries in Cambodia.
“The EU is proud to support Cambodia’s fisheries sector through EU CAPFISH-Capture, laying a foundation for sustainable, inclusive, and export-oriented growth in line with good international practices,” he noted.
During the event, awards were presented to outstanding MSMEs recognized as Leaders of Change, as well as to key project partners and awardees of the Value Chain Investment Support Facility (ISF).
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to continue advancing food safety, competitiveness and collaboration between the public and private sectors.
As the EU CAPFISH-Capture project approaches its closure, its impact is expected to endure well beyond December 2025.
The systems, skills, and partnerships established under the initiative are now guiding ongoing efforts to strengthen Cambodia’s fisheries competitiveness, ensuring that progress continues through policy alignment, private-sector engagement and future investment.
