PHNOM PENH: According to a joint press release yesterday issued by Australia and the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC), the two organizations are working together to enhance food safety and export competitiveness in Cambodia.

Through the Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED) program, IPC has officially launched accredited testing services for pesticide residue, antibiotic residue, and heavy metals.

The establishment of these ISO 17025-accredited testing services addresses a significant challenge faced by Cambodian businesses. Previously, many businesses struggled to obtain quality certificates for their agricultural products due to the lack of local accredited laboratories. Reliance on foreign testing services often resulted in increased contamination risks, delays, higher costs, and reduced competitiveness.

The new testing services offered by IPC’s Laboratory of Environment and Food Safety are expected to improve product quality and competitiveness, create jobs, enhance food safety and consumer protection, and increase market access for Cambodian agricultural exports.

Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Derek Yip, highlighted the importance of in-country laboratory services for growth and competitiveness. He emphasized that Australia’s investment in these laboratories will help Cambodian companies produce safe, high-quality agri-food products for both domestic and international markets.

The collaboration between Australia and IPC represents a significant step forward in improving Cambodia’s food safety landscape. By establishing state-of-the-art laboratories, they are supporting public health, local businesses (including women-owned businesses), and the country’s economic development through increased trade opportunities.

Mr. André Spiegel, Director of IPC, expressed gratitude for the support provided by Australia’s CAPRED program. He emphasized that the new laboratory services will enable IPC to provide essential testing for the Cambodian agri-food sector, contributing to both enhanced food safety and sustainable development.

This initiative aligns with Australia’s ongoing commitment to helping Cambodia achieve resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.