The European Union and Germany, under the EUR 24.3 million EU-German CAPSAFE programme, are funding the establishment of a state-of-the-art National Agricultural Laboratory in Cambodia. The ISO-accredited facility will enhance food safety testing and help Cambodian food exports comply with international standards, supporting the country’s participation in global trade.
Alongside the laboratory, 29 Cambodian small and medium enterprises in the cashew, pepper, and mango sectors were selected to receive technical assistance and co-financing. These businesses are expected to strengthen production, increase revenue, create jobs, and meet international market requirements with the added support. The initiative is part of the EU-German GATE programme, which helps companies access high-end markets, including the European Union, and comply with global standards.
EU Ambassador Igor Driesmans emphasized that the investment converts strategic plans into tangible opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs, enabling Cambodia to move up the value chain with sustainable, high-quality products. German Ambassador Stefan Messerer highlighted that the EU-German collaboration, supported by GIZ’s expertise, bridges Cambodian producers with European buyers, creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and supporting Cambodia’s transition to a middle-income country.
Two additional projects were launched during the event. The Responsible Sourcing Hub Cambodia project aims to position the country as a sustainable agri-product sourcing hub for Europe. The Scaling Climate-Resilient Mango Processing project, led by Kirirom Food Production, will expand mango processing to 80,000 tonnes per year, introduce products like juice and purée, and provide training and improved inputs to farmers to reduce post-harvest losses.
The EU’s Global Gateway approach engages the private sector throughout, strengthening partnerships, access to finance, and skills. These interventions focus on sustainability, scalability, and long-term economic transformation, improving market access, processing capacity, compliance with international standards, and climate resilience. As Cambodia approaches graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2029, these initiatives support inclusive and resilient growth in the agribusiness sector.
