‘Made in Cambodia’: The label that defends the future of national fisheries

At a time when environmental challenges and foreign competition are putting the country's fisheries resources to the test, Cambodia is opting for an innovative identity to protect its fisheries: the ‘Made in Cambodia’ label now stands as a shield for a vital sector, pivotal to the country's food security and economic growth.

Fishing by-products in Cambodia

The economic weight of Cambodian fisheries

The fisheries sector contributes nearly 8 to 10% of the country's gross domestic product, with sales set to exceed 1.14 billion dollars by 2025 and annual growth forecast at 5%. Nearly half the population depends directly or indirectly on this sector, while aquaculture now accounts for more than 40% of total production, representing a profound change favouring diversification and resilience.

Meeting the challenge of imports and quality

Faced with massive imports, mainly from Thailand, China and Vietnam (almost USD 50 million a year for processed fish), the ‘Made in Cambodia’ label aims to reassure local and international consumers about the traceability, health safety and quality of Cambodian products. Exports are still limited (mainly to Japan, South Korea and China), but the ambition is to break into the European market, where origin and sustainability are becoming essential criteria.

A social and environmental challenge

The depletion of wild stocks, due to overfishing and the degradation of aquatic environments, is prompting the government to promote responsible practices and gear new standards towards respect for the environment. The fisheries sector has helped to reduce the poverty rate from 30% to 13.5% in the space of a decade, thanks to the expansion of aquaculture and a significant improvement in food security (almost 68% of animal protein consumption comes from fish products).

Towards international recognition

Driven by a resolute determination and significant investment, ‘Made in Cambodia’ aims to become a guarantee of excellence on world markets, while ensuring the sustainability of a centuries-old activity. This strategy calls for rigorous management of resources, training of players and a stronger partnership with international players to meet growing expectations in terms of sustainability and quality.