PHNOM PENH – A digital system​ for consumers to verify the origin of fisheries products has been launched to enhance food safety. The system, called CamTrace, also lets enterprises comply with regulations in foreign markets, including the EU.

Cambodia’s Food Safety Law 2022 requires the establishment of a traceability system ensure food quality and safety while the Fisheries Administration (FiA)’s Technical Requirements for Official Control and Inspection of Quality and Safety of Fish and Fishery Products say all processing establishments and associated actors in the fish value chain (farming, harvesting, landing, processing, storage and distribution) that are intended for export must maintain and document traceability of all input and output.

The system, jointly developed by UNIDO and FiA as part of CAPFISH-Capture project, also allows all stakeholders in food supply chains to input and share data. Currently, nine enterprises have adopted the system. 

At the launch ceremony on Feb. 5, Pum Sotha, FiA’s director, said the system complied with food safety regulations for the local market and exports.

“This system allows consumers and authorities to track history of fisheries products from farm/net to market, thus increasing consumer confidence,” he said. 

Thorng Ra, a national food safety expert at UNIDO’s CAPFISH-Capture, said CamTrace recorded information on products in the production chain from farm or boat to supplier/distributor, processor and retailer.

“So, the consumer can scan the QR code on the package to track the information,” Ra said.

Ra said that within CamTrace, products can be recalled if safety concerns arise. For local enterprises, CamTrace will enhance trust among consumers and comply with domestic and foreign regulations.

He said the nine enterprises have the ability to use the system which requires knowledge of technology and materials and have potential to export their products. 

According to Ra, the traceability system may be expanded to other agricultural products such as rice, cashew nuts and spices. 

Hay Ly Eang, founder and CEO of Confirel, one of the nine enterprises, said traceability has become common for exporting not only fisheries products but also rice and others. He said CamTrace allows consumers to track his company’s product origin.

“In the CamTrace system, if the prahok powder is from Siem Reap, it is actually from Siem Reap. If it is Mekong prahok, it is from Mekong,” he said. 

Eyeing export to EU market

Cambodia’s local fisheries processing enterprises have access to foreign markets including Australia and South Korea and are looking to expand into the EU, one of the largest markets for Cambodia.

However, the EU has strict regulations which require any product to meet its standard before reaching its shelves.

Traceability is one of the requirements and with the launching of CamTrace, Cambodia’s fisheries products are taking a step toward this goal. Accessing EU market will also enable Cambodia’s product to enter other market as well.

Sotha said that FiA is ready to welcome EU’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) team to inspect Cambodia’s fisheries products before exporting to its market. DG SANTE is an agency responsible for monitoring food safety, safety of products and public health in the EU region.

Gunther Beger, managing director of the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation at UNIDO headquarter in Austria, said during the ceremony that it is paramount to establish a traceability system to ensure the highest standards of food quality and safety and full access to global markets. 

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Tith Dina spoke of the need to adhere to EU regulations and adapt to expand markets for Cambodia’s products despite the EU being stricter to enter than others. 

“If we can access the EU’s stricter market, we can access other markets as well,” Tina said. “We must increase our standard and we can receive higher value added.”

Tina said that Cambodia has reached the stage of harvesting for trade, not just consumption. With this, Tina said the ministry is working actively so that the fisheries harvest could reach local and foreign markets.

“In addition to making fisheries resources sustainable, we want to use these fisheries resources to their full potential with​ nothing left,” he said, highlighting the significance of partnerships from various actors.

Ly Eang said that his company’s prahok powder is waiting for inspection from the EU’s DG SANTE before being allowed to enter the market. Ly Eang said the prahok powder could be used in making European cuisines including omelet, pizza, croquette or spaghetti. 

Chea Sokna, Leang Leng Enterprise manager, said that information gathered in CamTrace will boost consumer confidence. Photo: Torn Chanritheara

He said Confirel has received support from foreigners including French during previous demonstrations. 

Leang Leng Enterprise, one of the CamTrace adopting enterprises, also set its sights on the EU market for its fish sauce. Chea Sokna, enterprise manager, said that information gathered in CamTrace will boost consumer confidence.

Sokna said his two types of fish sauce also await EU assessment and have been examined by FiA. The enterprise has partners in the EU to import the products.

Financially empower local enterprises

The event also featured the official awarding support to 23 post-harvest fishery enterprises through the CAPFISH-Capture’s Investment Support Facility (ISF) and Value Chain Investment Support (VCIS) scheme, a significant step towards enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of Cambodia’s fisheries sector.

The ISF, administered by the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC), was launched in 2024 with the goal of assisting over 100 enterprises in achieving sustainable growth. CGCC is governed by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The ISF supports enterprises and eligible input suppliers by offering loans and targeted technical assistance to enhance operational facilities. 

Bryan Fornari, head of cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, said that the ripple effects of food safety is 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,” he said.

Congratulating the CAPFISH-Capture project and the CGCC on their progress, Tina said that the ISF and food safety standards, including traceability, represent a promising effort that will help boost Cambodia’s GDP and promote systemic change in line with government’s 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,” he said.

No Lida, CEO of CGCC, said that ISF has $2.5 million worth of investment fund. These include $1 million from CAPFISH-Capture, $250,000 guaranteed loan from CGCC and $250,000 from enterprise own pocket.