Phnom Penh – Indonesia and Cambodia have taken a significant step toward enhancing fisheries cooperation, with both nations signing a Joint Statement to promote collaboration in ensuring the quality and safety of fish products. The event took place on 6 October 2025 at the Cambodiana Hotel in Phnom Penh.
Speaking at the event, Indonesian Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto emphasized the importance of fisheries in driving both human and economic development across ASEAN nations. “Fisheries play a significant role in the human and economic development of ASEAN countries. However, this sector is prone to environmental and health challenges. It is imperative that we collaborate to enhance the quality and safety of fish products,” he said.
The Joint Statement was signed by representatives from Indonesia’s Marine and Fisheries Quality Assurance Agency and Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The signing ceremony was also attended by representatives from the EU Delegation and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Held alongside the CAPFish-Capture End-Project Technical Workshop, the ceremony was witnessed by Ambassador Darmosumarto and H.E. Prak David, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Officials expressed optimism that this step would pave the way for finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Fisheries Cooperation currently under negotiation between the two countries.
Ambassador Darmosumarto highlighted Indonesia’s internationally recognized system for fisheries quality and safety assurance, including certification by the European Union. “I am convinced that Indonesian participants in today’s forum would be able to provide valuable insights and practical knowledge to their Cambodian counterparts,” he added.
In his remarks, Secretary of State H.E. Prak David underscored the growing partnership between Cambodia and Indonesia in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. “While Indonesia is an archipelago made up of more than 17,000 islands, there is much to learn from Cambodia’s own developments in fisheries and aquaculture,” he said, noting that the new agreement would help strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to sustainable fisheries management in the region.
The initiative reflects both nations’ shared commitment to improving food security, enhancing trade in fisheries products, and fostering greater regional cooperation under the ASEAN framework.
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