PHNOM PENH: The Cambodia-Korea Food Processing TASK Centre has officially opened today at the National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation (NISTI), marking another milestone in advancing food processing and SME competitiveness in the country’s agro-food sector.
According to the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), Funded through the Republic of Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), the Centre is equipped with cutting-edge facilities including a pilot plant, a food quality and safety analysis unit, SME technical support services, and a promotion hall for showcasing Cambodian and Korean products.
The initiative aims to enhance value chains, improve compliance with international standards, and help local producers develop market-ready, export-quality food products.
“This new Centre represents a significant step forward in creating opportunities for local SMEs to improve the safety and quality standards of Cambodia’s food products,” said H.E. HEM Vanndy, Minister of MISTI. “Driven by domestic support and export potential, this Centre will play a crucial role in increasing added-value locally, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.”
The pilot plant of the Centre is designed to help local SMEs prototype new food products using 83 modern processing machines capable of transforming raw materials—such as meat, vegetables, and grains—into noodles, snacks, beverages, and health foods of various kinds.
The Food Quality and Safety Analysis Unit houses 34 high-tech instruments, including HPLC-MSMS and ICP-OES, enabling precise testing of nutrients, toxins, additives, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants. This ensures Cambodian food products can meet internationally recognised certifications such as HACCP and GMP.
“This project goes beyond technical support—it builds infrastructure, trains professionals, and supports SMEs for practical industrialisation and market entry,” said Dr. Paik Hyun Dong, President of the Korea Food Research Institute (KFRI). “We hope the Cambodia-Korea Food Processing TASK Centre will become the cornerstone for the development of Cambodia’s food industry.”
SMEs will also benefit from technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and tailored consulting services for attainment of necessary certifications. In addition, the Centre’s Promotion Hall will serve as a platform to showcase products, success stories, foster consumer trust, and promote collaboration among Cambodian and Korean food producers.
“Through pilot manufacturing, food analysis, and business incubation, we aim to help establish a sustainable Cambodian food processing ecosystem,” said Mr. Jung Jae Hak, Vice President of the Department of Global Growth at the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT). “KIAT will continue to support this centre so it becomes a hub of cooperation and innovation for both our countries.”
Minister Vanndy called on the private sector, especially local food producers and manufactuers to leverage the centre’s infrastructure and capability to strengthen their food processing innovation, enhance the value of local products and raw materials, and meet national and international standards.