Small- and medium-sized fish processing enterprises are set to see their operations expand after an agreement was signed between the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia and CAPFISH-Capture.

Eleven fish processing enterprises are set to benefit from support agreements signed between the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) and the EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries Development in a major milestone in promoting financial inclusion and growth in the post-harvest fisheries sector.

On February 21, 2025, the two organisations officially signed an agreement for 11 fish processing enterprises as part of the Investment Support Facility (ISF). The financing scheme totals approximately $2.5 million.

This comprises $1 million in grant funds (40 percent of total investment) from the project as equipment support, $1.25 million (50 percent) in loans from participating financial institutions (PFIs) guaranteed by the CGCC, and $250,000 (10 percent) contributed by the beneficiaries.

The ISF is an initiative under the CAPFISH-Capture project funded by the EU and administered by the CGCC in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Fisheries Administration (FiA).

“Since its inception in late 2024, the ISF has welcomed its first group of 11 fish processing enterprises, with many more in the pipeline for this groundbreaking support,” according to a statement.

“The project has provided its initial grant funding of around $320,000, leveraging an additional $340,000 guaranteed loans from CGCC’s PFIs, such as ACLEDA Bank and Maybank Cambodia, along with $580,000 from the enterprises themselves.”

The ISF has a primary focus on supporting post-harvest fisheries enterprises who are aiming to boost their operations and expand their market reach nationally and internationally. It has a strong emphasis on empowering businesses led by women, youth and people with disabilities.

Through the initiative, the CGCC and CAPFISH-Capture project aim to help eligible post-harvest fisheries enterprises meet food safety and market standards. Tailored support includes assistance with business development, market linkages, food safety compliance, and environmental and social safeguards.

For more information on the initiative and how post-harvest fisheries enterprises can apply for the funding through the CGCC website.

Credit to: KIRIPOST, Published on 26 February 2025