Siem Reap, Cambodia —On May 5, 2025, Cambodia officially registered  "Siem Reap Prahok" as a Geographical Indication (GI), a significant milestone aimed at promoting traditional Cambodian culinary products, supporting local producers, and enhancing Cambodia’s international trade profile. The registration was officially launched during the World Intellectual Property Day 2025 celebration held in Siem Reap Province, emphasizing the strategic role of cultural heritage in economic development.

The initiative was part of the  CAPFISH-Capture project, supported by funding from the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in collaboration with Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration and the Ministry of Commerce. The event underscored the importance of preserving Cambodia’s culinary and cultural legacy while fostering rural livelihoods through the recognition of regional specialties.

Minister of Commerce Cham Nimman emphasized during the inauguration ceremony that registering Siem Reap Prahok as a geographical indication will strengthen Cambodia’s Prahok export market and enhance competitiveness both internationally and domestically. Minister of Agriculture Dith Tina pledged to support increased market opportunities for Cambodian Prahok producers and to promote the production of high-quality Khmer Prahok with improved taste and standards.

A joint press release from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, the EU, and UNIDO described Siem Reap Prahok as a product embodying Cambodia’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage—equivalent in significance to products like Kampot pepper, Kampong Speu palm sugar, and Mondulkiri wild honey. The GI status recognizes Prahok’s distinctive qualities, rooted in traditional processing methods and the regional environment.

In a statement posted on the EU Cambodia Facebook page, the European Union highlighted that with their support, Cambodia has successfully registered eight GIs, including Prahok Siem Reap. The EU spokesperson noted, “This achievement symbolizes more than technological progress; it represents Cambodia’s culture, creativity, and community.” The EU reiterated its commitment to strengthening Cambodia’s capacity through establishing quality standards, legal protections, and effective branding to introduce Cambodian products to the global market.

EU representatives also emphasized that, “GIs are more than labels; they are symbols of heritage, tradition, and trade, connecting farmers and producers to fair markets. In Europe, this system has strengthened local economies, and in Cambodia, we expect similar outcomes.” Through strategic collaboration with ASEAN and Cambodian authorities, the EU remains dedicated to protecting and promoting Cambodia’s unique products worldwide.

Beyond Prahok Siem Reap, Cambodia has registered seven additional GIs, including Kampot pepper, Kampong Speu palm sugar, Koh Tralach grapefruit, Mondulkiri wild honey, Kampot salt, Takeo lobster, and Kampot fish sauce. These designations aim to boost rural economies, promote sustainable practices, and elevate Cambodia’s global profile as a producer of high-quality, culturally significant goods.

The GI registration of Siem Reap Prahok underscores Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to safeguard traditional knowledge, bolster economic growth, and position its cultural products as key assets in international markets.

^{Photo by: MoC and EU Cambodia}