EU Gives $7 Million to Support Fisheries
- By Rin Ousa
- December 4, 2023 5:11 PM
PHNOM PENH – The European Union Ambassador to Cambodia Igor Driesmans announced the release of grants totaling 6.375 million euros (around $7 million) to support vital elements of the fisheries sector.
The EU ambassador met Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) on Dec. 4 to discuss the development of sustainable agriculture and fisheries in the country. Issues in these sectors have also been reviewed.
The discussion ended with the announcement of several grants, worth $7 million, that will be transferred to the Ministry of Economics and Finance. They will support key elements of the fisheries reform, including research, food safety, conservation of marine fisheries, flooded forest protection, monitoring, control, surveillance, and the transfer of grants to community fisheries.
“Despite numerous barriers, we have a large and strong partnership in the fisheries sector. We are eager to help in advancing the crucial field of agri-food safety in order to raise the quality of goods produced by the private sector and consumed domestically,” said Driesmans.
“In addition, we are ready to assist processing facilities in fulfilling the demands of the local and international markets.
“Most notably, this might open up new markets for Cambodian products and create more job opportunities,” the EU ambassador added.
Agriculture Minister Dith Tina said agriculture is one of the sectors most affected by major global issues like climate change, and called for continued strong collaboration with all relevant parties including the EU.
“We are looking forward to seeing further collaboration in order to alleviate the negative impacts and turn obstacles into opportunities,” Tina said.
The ministry is dedicated to promoting the development of sustainable fisheries in both inland and marine regions to benefit fishermen, aquaculture farmers, business owners and consumers.
During the courtesy meeting, Dith Tina outlined the ministry's plan to turn freshwater fishing into aquaculture to increase livelihoods. Regarding sea fishing, he also briefed a master plan for the effective management of fishery resources.
“We are dedicated to safeguarding and preserving our water resources and habitats,” Tina said.
He also announced that 1,600 commune agriculture officers will be deployed across Cambodia’s 1,652 communes, to help farmers who face technical challenges. They will help promote the production and processing of priority agricultural products including rice, cashew nuts, pepper and vegetables.
The announced grants are part of the CAPFISH Program, an EU initiative introduced in 2019 to support the development of fisheries in Cambodia. With a 112-million-euro envelope (around $124 million) it is the biggest program ever launched by the EU in Cambodia.
The program is carried out by the Fisheries Administration, attached to the MAFF and it supports every pillar of fisheries strategy until 2025.
