Cambodia exports fishery products to international markets, Sotha says

Cambodia exports fishery products to international markets, Sotha says

The expansion of Cambodian fishery exports to these markets, particularly those with stringent import standards, is a direct result of comprehensive reforms in the fisheries sector.

Cambodia has achieved a significant milestone in its journey toward global food trade, with its fishery products now officially exported to key international markets, including China, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

This breakthrough not only diversifies the Kingdom’s export base but also serves as a compelling validation of Cambodia’s successful efforts to establish a robust and effective food quality and safety control system, said Poum Sotha, Director General of the Fisheries Administration (FiA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

“Cambodian fishery products are officially exported to the markets of China, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, etc. This export demonstrates Cambodia’s ability to establish an effective food quality and safety control system,” Sotha said at a workshop marking the end of the CAPFISH-Capture project’s first phase, held in Phnom Penh on Monday.

The expansion of Cambodian fishery exports to these demanding markets, particularly those with stringent import standards, is a direct result of comprehensive reforms in the fisheries sector.

These efforts, often supported by international partners like the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) under projects like CAPFISH-Capture, focused on elevating product quality to meet international benchmarks.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has been the driving force behind this transformation.

One of these initiatives is the Cambodia Quality Seal certification, a national scheme that promotes and verifies the implementation of good hygiene practices and food safety management systems across the post-harvest fisheries value chain.

The FiA is also pursuing a memorandum of understanding with other ASEAN member states to strengthen regional trade.

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,” Sotha said.

Cambodian enterprises have been actively piloting and securing exports, with processed items like dried fish having already reached Australian markets. They have also sought exports to the EU markets.

This export momentum signals that Cambodia’s national control system for the fisheries sector is increasingly being recognized as a dependable framework for ensuring product safety and integrity.

The nation’s commitment to food safety is further demonstrated by the preparation of several enterprises for a critical audit by the EU’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, a successful outcome of which would grant broader access to the high-value European market.

According to FiA, Cambodia is ready for an audit by the European Union’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), which is expected to take place in 2026.

khmertimeskh