A new partnership between Australia and the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) aims to improve food safety and export competitiveness for Cambodian agricultural products.

The collaboration, supported by Australia’s Cambodia-Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED) programme, was officially launched on October 16 and will establish accredited testing services for pesticide and antibiotic residue and heavy metals, according to an October 16 joint press release from the Australian embassy in Cambodia and IPC.

According to the release, the country has long faced challenges in food safety due to the lack of accredited laboratory testing services within the country.

Around 70 per cent of businesses face barriers when attempting to obtain quality certificates for agricultural products, often relying on foreign testing services, which increases risks of contamination, delays, high costs and reduced competitiveness.

It said the introduction of local testing facilities at IPC's Laboratory of Environment and Food Safety is expected to address these issues, ensuring faster, more affordable testing while boosting the country’s export capabilities.

“Access to efficient in-country laboratory services is key to growth and competitiveness. By investing in these laboratories, Australia is helping Cambodian companies to produce safe, high-quality agri-food products for domestic and international markets in a cost-effective way,” Australian ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip was quoted as saying in the release.

It noted that the new testing services are also in line with Cambodia’s 2022 Food Safety Law, which prioritises food safety throughout the production process. By providing high-quality, accredited testing, the initiative will not only improve food safety and consumer protection but also enhance the competitiveness of Cambodian products in both local and international markets.

Additionally, the collaboration is expected to create jobs and improve market access for the country’s agricultural sector, it added.

IPC director André Spiegel expressed his gratitude for Australia’s support through the CAPRED programme.

“The new laboratory services will enable IPC to provide testing for the Cambodian agri-food sector. This will not only enhance food safety but also contribute to the sustainable development of the country through increased trade opportunities,” he said.

The partnership between Australia and IPC marks a significant step forward for Cambodia’s agri-food industry, helping local businesses, including women-owned enterprises, to meet international standards and access new markets. By enhancing food safety infrastructure, the collaboration supports Cambodia's long-term goal of resilient, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, according to the press release.