Cambodia’s Royal University of Agriculture has inaugurated the Cambodia Packaging Centre (CPC) at its campus to enhance market access and competitiveness for Cambodian businesses.

The CPC is established as a part of the Food Technology, Research and Innovation Platform (FTRIP) under the CAPFISH-Capture project, focusing on innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.

The CPC is designed to address the food sector's challenges, including the demand for sustainable packaging. It also aims to reduce food loss and waste while combating climate change and bolstering food security.

The EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture is jointly implemented by the Fisheries Administration and the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

UNIDO's chief technical advisor for CAPFISH-Capture Shetty Seetharama Thombathu highlighted the strategic significance of the centre, stating that it is poised to transform the country’s agribusiness and food sectors.

As a hub for research, development, and training, the CPC will provide skill-building programmes for food professionals and foster collaboration between businesses, researchers, and students.

It will also link Cambodia with global expertise through partnerships with the EU and organisations such as the World Packaging Organisation, enhancing the country's capacity to compete in domestic and international markets.

The FTRIP is an innovative collaboration among government organisations, higher education institutions, and industry bodies.

Initially focused on Cambodia's post-harvest fishery production sector, it seeks to expand and support the broader food production sector, ensuring lasting impacts through strengthened applied research capacities in higher education.