AKP Phnom Penh, December 19, 2025 --

The six-year EU-funded Cambodia Programme for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in the Fisheries Sector: Capture Component (CAPFISH-Capture) was concluded on Dec. 18, leveraging and developing Cambodia’s fisheries industry to more resilience and sustainability. 

The closing ceremony was held in Phnom Penh under the presidency of H.E. Prak David, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and with participation from high-ranking officials from relevant ministries and institutions, UNIDO, civil society partners and local fisheries communities. 

After six years of programme, the EU said it witnessed the passing of a new Fisheries law, saw Cambodia climb from 3rd to 51st on the global “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Risk Index” and develop a more resilient, well-governed, and sustainable fisheries sector.

Speaking at the function, H.E. Prak David expressed his appreciation and high appreciation for the good cooperation of all stakeholders in achieving the proud results of the CAPFISH-Capture programme. 

Through financial support from the European Community to the Fisheries Administration and technical assistance from the FAO, the CAPFISH-Capture programme has strengthened the management and conservation of freshwater, marine and coastal fisheries resources, and modernised fisheries management, he said. 

It also helped to update fisheries legal framework, prepare various legal documents, erected boundaries, deploy artificial fish shelters, and strengthen fishing communities and fish shelter pond communities, he added. 

By Chan S. Ratha