As part of the Mekong Forum 2025, Mekong CREATES convened a high-level panel discussion on “Strengthening the Bio-Circular Economy (BCE) for Safer, Climate-Smart Food Systems in Cambodia” during the breakout session on Bio-Circular Economy for Sustainable Growth, held on July 30 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Bringing together 58 stakeholders from government agencies, research institutions, development organizations, and the private sector, the session explored how BCE principles can accelerate sustainable growth in agri-food value chains while advancing climate action, food safety, and innovation. The panel was moderated by Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of the Mekong Institute (MI), who emphasized the need for enabling policies, cross-sector collaboration, and regionally aligned action to scale BCE innovations across Cambodia and the Greater Mekong Subregion.
The discussion opened with Mr. Meng Eang Taing, Director of the Department of Green Economy, Ministry of Environment, who shared Cambodia’s Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality (LTS4CN) and highlighted the central role of BCE in reducing agricultural emissions and transforming food systems.
H.E. Dr. Chan Phaloeun, Under Secretary of State and Chair of the Technical Working Group on Climate Change Policies, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), followed with insights on how LTS4CN is being integrated into national agriculture and rural development policies.
Dr. Mak Sithirith, Director of the Centre for Natural Resource and Environment at the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI), presented evidence-based perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in localizing net-zero actions in agriculture in support of BCE and food safety goals.
Dr. Lyhour Hin, Lecturer and Researcher at the Royal University of Agriculture, underscored the importance of local resource-based approaches and indigenous knowledge in promoting sustainable and circular agri-food systems.
The panel concluded with Ms. Pouchamarn Wongsanga, Project Team Leader of the Regional Component of GIZ, who showcased low-emission cultivation practices from regional initiatives that can be adapted to strengthen Cambodia’s agri-food value chains in alignment with BCE objectives.
“BCE requires a systems approach, from national strategies to on-the-ground implementation. Today’s discussion shows that Cambodia has a strong foundation for innovation. By connecting national priorities with regional frameworks, we can co-create solutions that benefit both food systems and economy,” Mr. Suriyan noted as he reflected on the session.
The panel discussion served as a prelude to the co-creation session that followed, where participants collaboratively developed project ideas to advance BCE and sustainable food systems in the region.
Mekong CREATES (Mekong Capacity-Building for Resilient and Enhanced Agricultural Technologies and Food Systems) is an 18-month transition project implemented by MI, with support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The project aims to strengthen food safety and climate resilience in the Mekong region through integrated capacity-building, multi-stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy.
For more information about Mekong CREATES, you may contact:
Agricultural Development and Commercialization (ADC) Department
Mekong Institute
