PHNOM PENH – Cambodia is poised to export processed fishery products to the European Union market, pending a quality inspection by the bloc scheduled for next year. Officials have described EU approval as a “global visa” opening doors to other markets.

According to Im Rachna, the undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), there are seventeen businesses that have been awarded the Cambodia Quality Seal (CQS), which enables them to sell their goods on international markets.

During the opening ceremony of a roadshow trip, which took place on July 15, Rachna told the media that Cambodia has the intention of exporting a greater quantity of agricultural products to foreign markets, particularly those that have value added to products for local businesses.

The roadshow brought members of media to learn about the CAPFISH-Capture-support enterprises in Phnom Penh, Koh Kong and Preah Sihanouk Province.

 Im Rachna, undersecretary of state of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, speaks during an opening ceremony of roadshow on July 15. Photo_ Torn Chanritheara

“Our goal is to see Cambodian products, including both post-harvest and other agricultural items, commanding premium prices on the international market,” said Rachna.

She said the Fisheries Administration (FiA) is collaborating with the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to enhance institutional capacity and guide local businesses in transitioning from traditional to export-based production. 

To enhance local businesses’ capacity to meet stringent export requirements, particularly for the European Union, MAFF and FiA have partnered with UNIDO to implement the CAPFISH-Capture project with EU support. This project aims to bolster technical assistance and capacity building to align local operations with international standards, improve food safety, and ultimately boost public health while facilitating exports.

“We are export-ready and eagerly awaiting the EU’s inspection,” Rachna declared. “Once market access is granted, we can begin exporting our products.”

Khov Kuong, FiA's deputy director-general, stated that Cambodian firms must follow food safety requirements and standards. He stated that certain components must be met by both competent institutions and private firms. 

Kuong stated that responsible authorities must have the competence to ensure quality control among firms aiming to sell to the EU market, as well as have a legislative structure in place to ensure that products fulfill the minimal requirements for export. 

The FiA official said that the private enterprises must also comply with EU standards including food safety, hygiene, quality and capacity to meet demand.  

An EU inspection team will visit Cambodia in 2025 to assess the country’s eligibility for exporting fish and fishery products to the bloc’s 27 member states, according to Bryan Fornari, head of cooperation at the EU delegation to Cambodia.

Bryan Fornari (L), head of cooperation at EU Mission to Cambodia, speaks  at the ceremony. Photo_ Chhum Chantha

Fornari explained that the EU inspection will assess Cambodia’s implementation of residue monitoring to control heavy metals, contaminants, and pesticide levels. The EU will also evaluate the local enterprise investments in achieving minimum food safety and hygiene standards.

Fornari emphasized the EU’s immense potential as a market for Cambodian products, highlighting the bloc’s long-standing partnership with Cambodia in the aquatic and fishery sector.

While items are being readied for export, Rachna stated that Cambodian products must first go through certain procedures. 

Cambodia currently exports fishery products to China and Australia. Exports surged from 3,000 tonnes in 2022 to over 3,500 tonnes in 2023.

Gaining EU market access will significantly facilitate Cambodia’s entry into other markets.

“Cambodia is actively exploring export opportunities for fishery products in other foreign markets,” said Rachna.