The Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) and the EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture: Post-Harvest Fisheries Development project have reached a significant milestone in promoting financial inclusion and growth for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the post-harvest fisheries sector.

According to a press release on Wednesday, the two organizations officially signed support agreements for 11 fish processing enterprises under the Investment Support Facility (ISF).

The ISF, a key initiative of the CAPFISH-Capture project funded by the European Union (EU), is administered by CGCC in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Fisheries Administration (FiA).

This innovative financing scheme amounts to approximately $2.5 million, consisting of $1 million in grant funding (40 percent of the total investment) from the project for equipment support, $1.25 million (50 percent) in loans from participating financial institutions (PFIs) guaranteed by CGCC, and $250,000 (10 percent) contributed by the beneficiaries.

Since its launch in late 2024, the ISF has supported an initial group of 11 fish processing enterprises, with more expected to benefit from the program.

So far, the project has provided around $320,000 in initial grant funding, leveraging an additional $340,000 in CGCC-guaranteed loans from PFIs such as ACLEDA Bank and Maybank Cambodia, along with $580,000 contributed by the enterprises themselves.

The ISF primarily supports post-harvest fisheries enterprises seeking to enhance their operations and expand their market reach both nationally and internationally. The program places a strong emphasis on empowering businesses led by women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Through the ISF initiative, CGCC and the CAPFISH-Capture project are committed to helping eligible post-harvest fisheries enterprises meet food safety and market standards.

The program offers tailored support, including business development assistance, market linkages, food safety compliance, and adherence to environmental and social safeguards.

Credit to: Khmer Times, Published on 27 February 2025