The first group of 11 pot-harvest fisheries enterprises have already benefitted from approximately $320,000 in grant funding under the Investment Support Facility (ISF). Supplied
The Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) and the EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture project have marked a major milestone in their efforts to support local fish processing enterprises.
On February 21, the two organisations signed support agreements for the first group of 11 enterprises, which have already benefitted from approximately $320,000 in grant funding under the Investment Support Facility (ISF).
This financial support is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Cambodia's post-harvest fisheries sector by providing vital resources for business growth, food safety compliance and market expansion.
The ISF combines grant funding, loans and contributions from beneficiaries to offer a comprehensive financial package.
“It is administered by the CGCC in collaboration with the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Fisheries Administration (FiA),” explained a joint press release.
This innovative financing scheme totals approximately $2.5 million.
It includes $1 million in grant funds (40% of the total investment) for equipment support, $1.25 million (50%) in loans from participating financial institutions (PFIs) guaranteed by the CGCC, and $250,000 (10%) contributed by the beneficiaries themselves.
“Since its inception in late 2024, the ISF has welcomed its first group of 11 fish processing enterprises, with many more in the pipeline for this groundbreaking support,” it said.
“The project has provided its initial grant funding of around $320,000, leveraging an additional $340,000 guaranteed loans from CGCC’s partners, such as ACLEDA Bank and Maybank Cambodia, along with $580,000 from the enterprises themselves,” it added.
This collaborative funding structure is designed to provide a balanced approach to supporting business development, market access and sustainability.
The primary aim of the ISF is to assist post-harvest fisheries enterprises in improving their operations, meeting international food safety standards and expanding their market reach both domestically and internationally.
By focusing on sectors with high growth potential, particularly those led by women, youth and persons with disabilities, the ISF ensures that financial inclusion is central to its objectives.
All post-harvest fisheries enterprises are encouraged to apply for funding, as limited resources are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
