Boost for Seafood Exports

KHMER TIMES
SUM MANET

The fisheries sector in Cambodia is vital because it generates jobs, ensures food security and provides income to the poorest households. KT/Chor Sokunthea

The Institute of Standards of Cambodia (ISC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) will team up to boost the export of four seafood products that adhere to international standards.

Speaking at a workshop at the Ministry of Industry and Handicraft yesterday, ISC director-general Chan Borin said ISC and UNIDO joined hands to increase the export of seafood to overseas markets.

“We think the seafood products that have potential for export are fish sauce, dried shrimp, frozen shrimp and crab meat, and the standards must be met before exporting to other countries,” Mr. Borin said.

“UNIDO, which ensures food quality and food safety, is collaborating with ISC to draft a code of standards and make sure that food processing adheres to international standards.

“The draft code applies to local consumption and export abroad as well. Demand for our seafood products comes from Hong Kong, China and the EU. The budget of the program is $1.3 million over three years.”

Narin Sok, head of UNIDO operations in Cambodia, said the UN agency was cooperating with ISC to create a joint-standard code of practices to boost export and also benefit the local market.

“We studied and evaluated the potential of our seafood products and see great potential for these four products to not only serve local markets, but potentially export to international markets as well,” Mr. Sok said.

“In the project, our role is to cooperate with ISC to make sure our producers comply with the standards written in the code of practices.”

“The authorities involved will check if they are complying with the standards,” he added, saying areas where the code of practices will be implemented include Koh Kong, Preah Sihanouk and Kampot provinces.

The fisheries sector is vital because it generates jobs, ensures food security and provides income to the poorest households, officials said, adding that more exports from the sector contribute greatly to the national economy.