A new project under the EU CAPSAFE initiative aiming to boost the country’s cashew nut and pepper industries launches on September 5 in Phnom Penh. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
PHNOM PENH (Phnom Penh Post/ANN): A new partnership between Cambodia, the EU and Germany is set to boost the sustainability, competitiveness and inclusiveness of the country’s cashew nut and pepper industries.
The initiative aims to elevate local value addition, enhance national food safety systems and promote climate-resilient agriculture, ultimately creating decent jobs and sustainable growth in the sector.
The project was launched recently, by EU ambassador to Cambodia Igor Driesmans, Chargé d’Affaires and head of German development cooperation at the German embassy in Cambodia Jost Kadel and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina, and falls under the Cambodia Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (EU CAPSAFE) initiative.
The partnership aligns with the Team Europe Initiative (TEI) and seeks to improve productivity by encouraging green technologies, agro-ecology and responsible investment in the country’s agricultural landscape.
Funded with $27 million from the EU and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the five-year CAPSAFE project will focus on increasing local capacity to meet international export standards, particularly in four provinces: Kampong Thom, Kratie, Tbong Khmum and Kampot.
At the launch event, Driesmans stressed the importance of Cambodia’s commitment to sustainable growth.
"This initiative reflects the EU and Germany’s commitment to promoting green growth and creating decent jobs in Cambodia in response to Cambodia’s increased commitment on green transition," he stated.
"We hope to improve the cashew nut and pepper value chains for the benefit of farmers and SMEs, while promoting environment and social standards for exports to, and investments from, the EU," he added.
Tina noted the project’s contribution to the country’s broader goals of modernising agriculture and addressing climate change.
"As Cambodian agriculture progresses toward modernity with inclusive community practices and sustainable techniques, the CAPSAFE project represents a crucial step in strengthening our cashew and pepper value chains," he remarked.
"By embracing green growth and enhancing export competitiveness, we are not only improving the livelihoods of our farmers but also ensuring that Cambodia contributes to carbon [neutrality] and remains resilient in the face of climate challenges," he added. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
