AKP Phnom Penh, May 02, 2025 -- 

CAPFISH-Capture, one of the world’s largest fisheries development programmes, is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Fisheries Administration (FiA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), with complementary support from FAO, UNESCO, UNIDO, WCS, Save the Children, Oxfam and Aide et Action.

Over the past years, it has played a pivotal role in strengthening Cambodia’s fisheries sector and is nearing its completion by the end of 2025. Looking ahead, a new project—tentatively titled “Sambo Trey” (Abundant Fish)—is expected to build on this momentum and carry forward the sector’s progress.

Speaking on the matter, Rebekah Bell, the Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), stated that through collaboration with four Cambodian ministries and the involvement of FAO, the new “Sambo Trey” project is expected to provide continued support to the fisheries sector.

This initiative will focus on promoting sustainable practices, particularly in the conservation of freshwater and saltwater fish, and improving the quality of fish products for the market.

During a field visit to the Srey Cheuk fishing community in Kandieng district, Pursat province, on April 30, H.E. Ms. Im Rachana, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries acknowledged the significant support provided by CAPFISH-Capture to approximately 250 fishing communities nationwide, both in freshwater and marine areas. While the project is set to end in 2025, she noted that the EU and FAO would explore other avenues to assist Cambodia’s fisheries sector.

Mr. Koen Everaert, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, emphasised that CAPFISH-Capture has focused on improving the competitiveness of post-harvest fishery products. This has been achieved by creating favourable conditions to support enterprises in meeting national and international food safety standards, thereby contributing to the protection of local consumer health and international trade.

He added that the project has facilitated significant progress in Cambodia’s fisheries sector, with several enterprises and artisanal producers building their capacity to supply local supermarkets and develop their export potential.

Mr. Everaert expressed optimism: “The European Union maintains a long-term vision, and we may further strengthen our support. We are also awaiting to see any needs for discussion or to explore any possibilities with the government to jointly create other programmes to assist Cambodia’s fisheries sector in the future.”

It is worth noting that Cambodia is currently highlighting its ongoing efforts to protect local ecosystems and strengthen community-based natural resource management through the EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture programme, as the nation celebrates Earth Day 2025 under the theme “Our Earth, Our Energy.”

Article in Khmer by Depo

Article in English by K. Rithy Reak