Khon Kaen, Thailand, November 14, 2025 – The Mekong Institute (MI), under its Mekong CREATES Project and with support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), successfully concluded a five-day Regional Training on Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from November 10 to 14, 2025 at the MI Training Center in Khon Kaen, Thailand. 

The training aimed to strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of SME stakeholders and support agencies from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam (CLMV) to implement and sustain effective FSMS practices. A total of 28 participants attended, including government representatives, SME owners, food safety officers, and industry association members. 

Building Skills for Safer, More Competitive Agrifood Systems 

In her remarks, Ms. Orn-uma Polpanich, Director of MI’s Agricultural Development and Commercialization Department, underscored the persistent challenges facing SMEs in meeting international food safety standards. “GMS countries continue to face significant challenges in meeting food safety standards due to limited resources, technical capacity, and inconsistent regulatory support, she said. “This training equipped participants with practical knowledge on Good Hygiene Practices (GHPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and ISO 22000 standards, complemented by exercises on hazard identification, risk assessment, documentation, and compliance.” 

Participants also took part in a structured learning visit to Khon Kaen University’s Food Pilot Plant, where they observed real-world FSMS applications and quality mechanisms in food processing operations. 

“This initiative goes beyond regulatory compliance,” Ms. Orn-uma added. “It is about building consumer trust, enhancing market competitiveness, and contributing to inclusive and resilient food systems, in alignment with ASEAN’s vision for sustainable agri-food transformation.”  

Key Outcomes and Learning Highlights 

• Risk Management Skills: Participants gained practical skills to identify, assess, and manage food safety hazards through risk-based approaches tailored for SMEs, including hands-on risk mapping exercise. 

• Compliance and Documentation: The training improved SMEs’ ability to maintain essential records under GHPs, HACCP, and ISO 22000 frameworks, prepare for inspections or audits, and integrate food safety practices into daily operations. 

• Market Readiness: The training linked FSMS implementation to branding, consumer trust, and trade competitiveness, to strengthen their access to formal and regional markets. 

The national action plan provides a clear roadmap for strengthening food safety through practical and achievable measures for Cambodia and other Mekong countries. This plan is designed to integrate SMEs’ best practices with the national food safety strategy, in collaboration with both government and the private sector, to build long-term capacity, said Ms. Dy Vichra, Business Owner of Phka Doung Handicraft from Cambodia. 

Ms. Phetvongnga Boriboune, a Food Inspector from Ministry of Health, Lao PDR, emphasized that implementing Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) in SMEs is crucial for the Mekong Region, particularly for Lao PDR. Strengthening food safety in our SMEs will make our products more competitive. This FSMS knowledge will help reinforce our food systems and inspire us to explore ways to better support SMEs in our home country. 

Representing Myanmar, Ms. Shoon Lae Yee, Research, Development & Quality Control Manager from Mya Ayer Manufacturing Company, highlighted that the food industry in the region is growing rapidly, yet many SMEs face challenges in meeting international standards. This training strengthens knowledge of food safety systems, which will help build customer trust, support regional trade, and ensure sustainable growth across the Mekong region. 

From Viet Nam, Mr. Nguyen Quang Loc, Circular Bio-Economist Plus Global International Coordinator from Institute for Circular Economy Development added that this training is highly important because it goes beyond food safety, it is about shaping business strategies for the entire Mekong region, which is undergoing a massive economic transformation. 

Contributing to Regional Food System Transformation 

This initiative supports broader regional goals of enhancing food safety, public health, trade competitiveness, and agri-food system resilience, contributing to ASEAN’s sustainable and inclusive food systems transformation agenda.  

Through projects such as Mekong CREATES, MI continues to advance its mission of building capacities, facilitating knowledge exchange, and strengthening cross-border collaboration to drive safe and more sustainable agri-food systems across the Greater Mekong Subregion.  

About Mekong CREATES  

The Mekong Collaboration for Resilient and Equitable Agrifood System Transformation (Mekong CREATES) is a regional initiative implemented by the Mekong Institute with support from the New Zealand Government. The initiative strengthens local capacities, fosters innovation, and promotes cross-sector collaboration to advance inclusive, climate-resilient agri-food systems across the Greater Mekong Subregion. The project runs from March 2025 – July 2026. For more information, visit: www.mekonginstitute.org/mekong-capacity-building-for-resilient-and-enhanced-agricultural-technologies-and-food-systems/