PHNOM PENH – Siem Reap Prahok, Cambodia’s traditional fermented fish paste, was officially granted Geographical Indication (GI) status on May 5 in conjunction with World Intellectual Property Day, marking a key milestone in protecting traditional knowledge and promoting rural economic development.

Made primarily from trey riel and produced during the December to February fishing season, prahok is a culinary staple in Cambodian households. The new GI status is expected to bolster market access for producers, preserve cultural heritage, and stimulate local economic growth.

“This milestone reflects our continued efforts to protect and promote the country’s unique cultural assets through a strong intellectual property framework,” said Commerce Minister Cham Nimul.

She emphasized that GI recognition not only safeguards tradition but also enhances the competitiveness of Cambodian products in domestic and global markets.

Nimul added that the government sees the GI system as a tool for “sustainable trade and rural development,” reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to using intellectual property as a strategic lever for inclusive growth and value-added trade.

Agriculture Minister Dith Tina echoed that sentiment, noting that Siem Reap Prahok “represents the connection between our traditions and sustainable development,” and contributes to strengthening the agricultural sector’s competitiveness.

“The ministry is dedicated to bolstering the agriculture sector through enhancing value chains, promoting sustainable practices and resilience, which can increase market opportunities for producers while ensuring consumers receive quality and authentic products,” he said.

EU Ambassador to Cambodia Igor Driesmans said Geographical Indications are a “powerful tool for supporting sustainable development by empowering smallholder farmers, upholding traditions, and encouraging responsible resource management.”

“The EU has supported the development of Cambodia’s GI system for more than ten years by providing technical assistance and capacity building. Our efforts focus on sustainable fisheries value chains and quality standards, fostering innovation to boost the economic and cultural value of local products,” Driesmans said.

The GI registration of Siem Reap Prahok was facilitated through the EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries Development project, implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in partnership with the Fisheries Administration and the Ministry of Commerce.

Cambodia now has seven products with GI certification: Kampot pepper, Kampong Speu palm sugar, Koh Trung pomelo, Mondulkiri honey, Kampot-Kep salt, Takeo lobster, and Kampot fish sauce.