Participants of the launch ceremony for the Cambodia Packaging Centre (CPC) at the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) on December 8. Supplied
Cambodia has officially launched the Cambodia Packaging Centre (CPC) at the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), marking a significant milestone in advancing the country’s food industry competitiveness and sustainability.
The launch, coinciding with RUA’s 60th-anniversary celebration, was presided over by Chan Savuth, secretary of state at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, according to a December 8 joint press release.
The release highlighted that the new centre is a key component of the “Food Technology, Research and Innovation Platform (FTRIP)”, established under the EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture project. It noted that the initiative aims to address critical challenges in the food sector, including food loss, waste reduction and climate change, while enhancing food security.
Shetty Seetharama Thombathu, UNIDO chief technical advisor for CAPFISH-Capture, emphasised the centre’s strategic importance.
“The establishment of this centre is a strategic response to these challenges, aiming to provide innovative solutions that will enhance the competitiveness of local businesses while promoting sustainability within the sectors,” he was quoted as saying.
Located at RUA, the CPC serves as a hub for research, development and training in innovative packaging solutions tailored to local needs. The facility is designed to empower food professionals through skill-building programmes and to foster collaboration among businesses, researchers and students.
“It will not only support local enterprises but also foster educational opportunities for the university’s students and researchers,” RUA rector Ngo Bunthan noted.
The centre will also connect Cambodia to global expertise by collaborating with the EU and international organisations, such as the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). These partnerships aim to enhance the country's capacity to compete in both domestic and international markets.
As a resource for innovation and capacity building, the CPC is poised to transform the country’s agri-business and food sectors, strengthening their global competitiveness while championing sustainability, according to the press release.
