Commerce minister Cham Nimul cuts the red ribbon and officially inaugurates the Labiocert laboratory. Confiril
The Labiocert Innovation and Processing Center and Quality Control Laboratory was officially opened yesterday, February 25, by Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul.
The facility offers a one-stop service for world class testing of a wide range of products, from raw materials to finished products.
Nimul noted the importance of food safety in building consumer trust, both for the domestic and export markets.
She emphasised that the opening of the lab is a major step forward for parent company PPM-Confirel, which has also established a successful food processing and development centre.
The minister believed the laboratory will play a crucial role in strengthening the overall quality of Cambodian food products.
“Certified quality is extremely important in building trust among citizens, especially when it comes to developing new food products. These goods can also be exported, introducing the world to the art of Cambodian cuisine and attracting tourists to experience it directly in the Kingdom,” she said.
She explained that for the food processing sector to gain more recognition and attract more foreign tourists – as well as encourage the export of Cambodian food products – will require the full participation of the government and the private sector.
Nimul called for all relevant parties – producers, processors and entrepreneurs – to seize opportunities to develop and improve Cambodia’s food industry. She encouraged companies to continue collaborating with domestic and international partners, as well as universities and research institutions, to study new ways to enhance quality and increase international recognition.
She also urged enterprises to pay close attention to registering intellectual property rights, including trademarks, industrial designs, patents or copyrights, to protect their innovations.
The minister suggested that businesses should liaise with the commerce ministry’s export promotion team to learn about export requirements for specific markets and seize possible opportunities, and encouraged them to take part in the various trade events and business forums organised by the ministry.
Khiev Thy, president of the Khmer Angkor Tour Guides Association (KATGA), explained that food quality, hygiene and taste are crucial factors in building trust with foreign tourists, and could not only encourage them to visit Cambodia, but stay longer. Strengthening and promoting food quality also improves the overall health of the population and helps reduce healthcare costs.
“When Cambodian food is recognised and promoted as high-quality and properly controlled, it is excellent news for attracting more international tourists,” he told The Post.
He noted that foreign tourists are already pleased with the quality and taste of Cambodian food.
