Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - GI status expected for 3 more products

GI status expected for 3 more products

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
A worker harvests salt on a farm in Kep province. Heng Chivoan

GI status expected for 3 more products

The private sector expects that international demand for “Kampot-Kep salt”, “Kampot-Kep fish sauce” and “Takeo crayfish” will grow following their anticipated domestic registrations as geographical indications (GIs) this year.

Chan Sitha, CEO of well-known fish sauce maker E Chei Ngov Heng Food Production of Kampot, said the news of GI registration is an excellent indicator that sales, especially exports, will grow.

“I want to export more of our fish sauce. We are currently working to earn recognition and are already in talks with South Korean importers. I expect to begin exporting sauce to them this year,” he added.

Sitha continued that he was slowly expanding operations. There is only one season to catch the fish he uses as his raw material, so he as waiting for the accreditation to be complete before investing in larger facilities.

“Once we have the GI, it will become famous, which will make it easier to enter new markets,” he concluded.

Thaung Thyda, managing director of Kampot-Kep salt processing firm Thaung Trading Co Ltd, which produces and packages natural salt from Kampot, said it will be a source of pride to present the Kingdom’s top-quality salt to international consumers.

“This registration will increase people’s awareness of Kampot salt. Improved sales of this unique product will not only provide a boost to the traditions and culture of Cambodia, but will allow us to make a greater contribution to the growth of the economy, and improve the livelihoods of local farmers and stakeholders,” she said.

Suon Vichea, director of the Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Intellectual Property Rights, said the push to obtain GI certification for the three products was initiated by minister Pan Sorasak.

“Final confirmation that the three have been accepted is expected any month now. This will have far-reaching benefits to the individuals who are involved in their production, and their communities,” he said.

The department has worked closely with the the French Development Agency (ADF) and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to register Kampot-Kep salt. It also received assistance from the EU’s Arise plus Intellectual Property Rights programme to register Kampot-Kep fish sauce and Takeo crayfish.

A GI is an intellectual property tool that protects the quality or reputation associated with a geographical location and can be used as a source of identification.

The department is also currently working closely with UNIDO to register three other products: Kampong Som Dried Shrimp, Koh Kong Dried Shrimp and Siem Reap Prahok.

At the same time, the commerce ministry has requested that WIPO evaluate the suitability of Koh Kong crab and Battambang milled rice for registration.

Vann Socheata

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • Manet touches down in Beijing for high-level meetings

    Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Beijing on September 14 for his first official visit to China, where he is slated to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and meet other leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Upon his arrival, Manet laid a wreath at the Monument

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former