From Ocean to Table: Cambodia's Clam Industry Evolves

[CAMBODIA NEWS] (Koh Kong): In Pam Krasop commune, Koh Kong province, a community of clam farmers is making significant strides in enhancing the quality and hygiene standards of their seafood products. This development has led to recognition from food safety authorities, enabling direct sales to modern markets within the country.



Vong Tara, owner of a clam and dried shrimp processing facility in Pam Krasop commune, Mondol Seima district, Koh Kong province, attributes this progress to support from UNIDO through the Capfish Capture program. The program has provided both material and technical assistance, allowing Tara's business to supply domestic markets and even sell directly to high-end supermarkets like Makro.

Tara began clam farming in 1994 as a family business. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 disrupted exports to neighboring countries, particularly Thailand, prompting a shift towards domestic market supply as local demand increased.

The Pam Krasop community, located in a mangrove conservation area, is ideal for clam farming. With over 300 families in the community, more than 50% are engaged in clam farming. The annual harvest in this region, Cambodia's largest clam farming area, ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 tons.

Tara's enterprise can now process and supply over 1 ton of product daily to the market. The implementation of technical standards has boosted consumer confidence, leading to increased orders. Currently, the business can supply between 5% to 20% of the domestic market demand.

With support from UNIDO's SME support project, Tara's processing facility has seen significant improvements in operations and sales. Tara emphasizes the importance of understanding water currents and adhering to proper techniques for successful farming.

As a recipient of the CQS food safety certificate, Tara aims to expand production capacity for potential export markets. However, he notes that achieving this goal requires additional support from partners in terms of technology, resources, and financial backing.

Bryan Fornari, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation, which funds the fisheries post-harvest development project through UNIDO, highlighted how technical support and equipment investments have added value to Cambodia's fishery products. This support has led to business growth, increased income, and job creation in local communities.

Fornari expressed the EU's commitment to continued support for processing improvements and value addition in Cambodia's fishery enterprises. While acknowledging that exporting fishery products to the EU market may take time, he remains optimistic about positive outcomes in the near future.