A worker prepares prahok at a stall in Banteay Meanchey province. Hin Pisei
The product "Siem Reap Prahok" which originated in Cambodia during the Angkor era, is gaining a greater reputation and broader market recognition after being officially declared a Geographical Indication (GI) product.
The announcement was made in a May 5 joint press release from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the CAPFISH-Capture Post-Harvest Development Project, the EU and the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in a celebration of World Intellectual Property Day.
The designation is an important step in preserving traditional practices and promoting local communities that contribute to national economic growth. The achievement was made possible through close collaboration between several Cambodian government institutions and their partners.
An announcement ceremony was attended by Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce and chairperson of the National Committee for Intellectual Property (NCIP), Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, along with Igor Driesmans, EU ambassador to Cambodia and representatives of international development partners and other stakeholders.
Nimul noted that the commerce ministry plays a crucial role in promoting Cambodia’s Geographical Indications (GI) system, a powerful tool for promoting sustainable trade and rural development.
“The official recognition of Siem Reap Prahok as a Gl product reflects our continued efforts to protect and promote Cambodia's unique cultural assets through a strong intellectual property framework. This milestone not only safeguards traditional knowledge but also enhances the marketability and competitiveness of local products at both national and international levels,” she said.
“The ministry remains committed to strengthening the Gl system as a strategic instrument for inclusive economic growth and value-added trade,” she added.
Agriculture minister Tine shared how Siem Reap Prahok has now joined other iconic Cambodian products like Kampot pepper, Kampong Speu palm sugar and Mondulkiri wild honey, underscoring the country's commitment to enhancing product identity and supporting rural livelihoods.
“Siem Reap Prahok symbolises the linkage between our traditions and sustainable development, ensuring quality for consumers and bolstering the competitiveness of Cambodia's agricultural sector,” he said.
He added that after being registered as a new GI product, Siem Reap Prahok not only contributes to national economic growth, but also helps preserve traditional customs and the environment.
Given the agriculture sector’s vital role in Cambodia’s food security, the ministry is committed to strengthening the sector by improving value chains, encouraging sustainable and resilient practices, and aligning with the phase one of the seventh-mandate government’s Pentagonal Strategy and the National Agricultural Development Policy 2022–2030.
“This commitment enhances market opportunities for producers while ensuring consumers receive quality and authentic products,” he added.
The EU ambassador also emphasised the importance of Gls for rural development and economic empowerment.
“Gls are powerful tools for empowering smallholder producers, preserving traditions, and promoting responsible resource management, thus contributing to sustainable development,” noted Driesmans.
“GIs play a vital role in Europe, with over 3,500 registered. The EU has supported the development of Cambodia's GI system for over a decade by providing capacity building and technical assistance. The EU's efforts focus on sustainable fisheries value chains and quality standards, fostering innovation to enhance the economic and cultural value of local products,” he added.
