EU CAPFISH-Capture Results and Cross-Division Learning Event
Vienna, Austria 12 November 2025
Along the banks of the Mekong River, Cambodia’s fisheries sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation — powered by a strong partnership between the European Union and UNIDO, in close collaboration with Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration.
The Cambodia Programme for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in the Fisheries Sector (CAPFISH) launched in 2019, and funded by the EU with EUR 16 million is implemented by UNIDO, to foster social and economic development, strengthen food security, and reduce poverty through sustainable fisheries management.
CAPFISH-Capture focuses on boosting post-harvest fisheries through three strategic areas:
- Establishing effective control and quality systems
- Supporting private sector growth via value chain financing
- Strengthening research and innovation capacity
Opening the event, UNIDO Director General Mr. Gerd Müller highlighted both the strength of the EU–UNIDO partnership and the project’s achievements contributing to the achievement of the SDGs
“This flagship initiative exemplifies technical cooperation at its best,” said Mr. Müller. “It improves livelihoods, strengthens food safety systems, fosters sustainable value chains, and expands market access — a true example of the tangible impact that the EU and UNIDO can create together.”
H.E. Carl Hallergård, EU Ambassador to the International Organisations in Vienna, reaffirmed the EU’s long-term commitment:
“The EUR 79 million of current EU investment in Cambodia under the Global Gateway programme reflects our dedication to supporting local agri-food systems, expanding access to global markets, and promoting sustainable, inclusive economic development.”
Representing Cambodia, H.E. Prasith Suon, Ambassador of Cambodia in Geneva, emphasized how the CAPFISH-Capture project aligns with Cambodia’s Industrial Development Policy, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Pentagon Strategy Phase 1. He also highlighted the project’s success in empowering women entrepreneurs and advancing gender equality in the fisheries sector.
The event featured presentations of project results, good practices, and lessons learned —
Among the project’s flagship achievements is the development of the Cambodia Quality Seal, a certification scheme ensuring food safety and quality standards. To date, 22 enterprises have earned certification, and four companies hold HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) accreditation.
The project also introduced a traceability system to enhance transparency and compliance with international market standards — a key milestone for Cambodian fish products entering the EU market. Complementary legal frameworks have been established, including a new food safety chapter in Cambodia’s Fisheries Law and a National Residue Monitoring Programme, paving the way for future EU market access.
Women form the backbone of Cambodia’s post-harvest fisheries — and the CAPFISH-Capture project has placed them at the centre of its efforts. By supporting small-scale fish processors and rural enterprises with modern technologies, training, and market access, the initiative has created new job opportunities and empowered women to lead in sustainable business.
Out of 64 supported enterprises, 46 are women-led, and three are run by persons with disabilities, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity.
Sustainability remains a guiding principle: the project promotes eco-friendly technologies such as solar drying and encourages fish processors to adopt green and ethical practices across the value chain.
The EU–UNIDO CAPFISH-Capture project stands as a model of how international partnerships can create lasting, inclusive, and sustainable change — ensuring that Cambodia’s rich fisheries continue to provide livelihoods, food security, and prosperity for generations to come.
