PHNOM PENH, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has launched an innovative packaging center to boost food industry competitiveness and sustainability, said a joint press release on Monday.
Located at and administered by the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) in Phnom Penh, the Cambodia Packaging Center (CPC) was inaugurated last Friday, the press release said.
The center is part of the Food Technology, Research, and Innovation Platform, established by the European Union-funded CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries Development project, which is jointly implemented by the Fisheries Administration (FiA) and UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
"This facility represents a significant step towards Cambodia's more sustainable and competitive food industry," the press release said. "By providing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, the center aims to enhance food security, reduce waste, and position the country as a leader in sustainable food processing."
Innovative packaging was crucial for addressing key challenges faced by food processors, including food loss and waste and climate change issues, it said, adding that an official assessment of the packaging landscape within the agri-business and food sectors highlighted these challenges and the growing demand for practical solutions.
"The establishment of this center 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," said Shetty Seetharama Thombathu, UNIDO chief technical advisor for the CAPFISH-Capture project.
"The center is set to become a vital resource for the wider agriculture and food sectors, enabling competitiveness in local and global markets," he added.
Key functions of the center include research and development, offering cutting-edge solutions tailored to local needs, and providing training and capacity building to equip food professionals with the skills necessary for effective, sustainable packaging practices.
RUA's rector Ngo Bunthan said the center would serve not only as a hub for businesses but also as a platform for students and researchers to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
"It will not only support local enterprises but also foster educational opportunities for the university's students and researchers," he said. ■