On the 4th December 2023, the Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia, H.E. Igor Driesmans, met H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) for a courtesy meeting. A large range of issues have been discussed in a constructive manner including sustainable agriculture and fisheries. As part of our partnership on fisheries sector, H.E Igor Driesmans announced the release of EUR 6.375 million (around USD 7 millions) grants to the Ministry of Economic and Finance (MEF) to support key areas of the fisheries reform, such as monitoring, control and surveillance, flooded forest protection, conservation of marine fisheries, transfer of grants to community fisheries, research and food safety.

“Our partnership on fisheries sector is large and strong, despites the immense challenges. We are keen and ready to support further the progress in the important field of agri-food safety in order to improve the quality of products produced by the private sector and consumed by Cambodian in the country, as well as support Cambodian processing establishments to meet regional and international markets’ demands. This could offer new market opportunities for Cambodia’s products and create jobs”, said the EU Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Igor Driesmans

Agriculture sector including fisheries and forestry are facing global challenges that continue to require strong partnership with all stakeholders - including the EU - to mitigate and adapt to its negative impacts and transform constraints into opportunities. As for fisheries sector, MAFF is fully committed to support sustainable fisheries development in both inland and marine areas, through the whole value chain for the benefit of our fishermen, aquaculture farmers and entrepreneurs, as well as consumers. We are also committed to the protection and conservation of our aquatic habitats and resources”, said the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, H.E. Dith Tina.

Launched in 2019 as the most important programme ever for the European Union to support the fisheries sector in a partner country and in Cambodia, CAPFISH Programme (EUR 112 million) is implemented by the Fisheries Administration attached to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), supporting all pillars of the current national Strategy in fisheries until 2025.

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