PHNOM PENH — Prahok Siem Reap is set to be added to Cambodia’s Geographical Indication (GI) list in early May, a move aimed at boosting the product’s international recognition, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Khy Vibolbotra, Secretary of State at the Agriculture Ministry, said the Siem Reap Prahok Association has submitted its registration with the Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce. The official GI status will be announced on World Intellectual Property Day, which this year will be celebrated in Siem Reap on April 26.

Vibolbotra said the GI designation is part of a broader effort to organize local Prahok producers into an association that preserves the heritage and customs tied to this traditional fermented fish paste.

“It is the opportunity for the association to boost Prakhok production productivity, create jobs, and sustainably increase income, while also protecting and conserving national fish resources,” said Vibolbotra.

Cambodia has so far registered seven products under the GI framework, including Kampot pepper, Kampong Speu palm sugar, Koh Trung pomelo, Mondulkiri honey, Kampot-Kep salt, Takeo lobster, and Kampot fish sauce.

Of these, Kampot pepper and Kampong Speu palm sugar have also been internationally trademarked to prevent counterfeiting and strengthen their global reputations. Additionally, Cambodia is seeking European Union GI recognition for Kampot-Kep salt under the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement.

Beyond GI products, the Ministry of Commerce has also registered several collective trademarks, including Phnom Penh noodles, Kampong Thom pounded rice, Preah Vihear rice, Fragrant Rice SKO, and Damneob Sbai Monkul (DSMK) rice. These efforts have played a significant role in promoting Cambodian culture and tourism abroad.

The ministry is also preparing to register more collective trademarks, such as Kandal Province’s copper-silver engravings, Pursat oranges, and Battambang creamy coconuts. A number of other potential GI and collective trademark candidates have been identified, including Battambang rice, Kampong Speu rice, Neang Am rice, Svay Rieng rice, Koh Kong crab, Kampong Thom cashew nuts, and Phnom Srok silk.