PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA, 24th January, 2024 – Today, Khmer Cold Chain (KCC) opened Cambodia’s first centralized cross-docking and cold storage facility adjacent to the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port. The inauguration ceremony for the facility, held on 24 January, was attended by the Minister and representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, as well as dignitaries from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia and Switzerland. The ceremony marked the official start of business for the facility, which has already partnered with clients from diverse sectors for their cold storage and cross-docking needs.
“I extend my congratulations to Khmer Cold Chain and I am confident that this facility will play a key role in fostering economic growth and enhancing Cambodia’s standing in the global marketplace,” said His Excellency, Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport.
“We are currently supporting several seafood distributors with their frozen storage needs. We intend to expand our services across sectors and companies, with the goal of streamlining trade for local enterprises,” declares Sovathara Heng, Director at Khmer Cold Chain.
With InfraCo Asia as shareholder, a part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), KCC is poised to transform Cambodia’s logistics landscape, emphasizing the crucial role of private sector engagement in impactful projects aligned with global standards. Rooted in social responsibility, KCC has utilised grant support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and PIDG Technical Assistance (PIDG TA), to engage with Cambodian businesses, implement gender empowerment initiatives and align with international safety practices.
The facility’s funders have jointly contributed material investments, including cold storage equipment and rooftop solar panels as well as advisory services, and extensive training, empowering KCC to provide industry-standard services. The collaboration’s focus is opening doors to export opportunities and marking a significant milestone in the nation’s economic development.
The strategically located facility, containing approximately 6,000 cubic metres of cold storage, is poised to support the growth of Cambodia’s logistics landscape by facilitating seamless trade of temperature-sensitive goods, from agricultural products to pharmaceuticals. The collaboration with Phnom Penh Autonomous Port aims to synergize the strengths of both entities, offering an integrated solution that streamlines the transportation, storage, and distribution of goods. Key features include:
- Multiple temperature zones for diverse product storage
- Cross-docking capabilities to facilitate efficient handling
- Value-added services, including packaging and labelling
- Sanitary and phytosanitary inspection and certification
With this new facility, KCC supports the Royal Government of Cambodia in promoting agricultural export opportunities through a collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, by providing certification services and expediting customs procedures, ensuring compliance with international standards.
Small and medium-sized agricultural businesses can benefit from KCC’s cold chain services, which can accommodate small-volume shipments and provide value-added services. According to a December 2019 study by the World Food Logistics Organization, Cambodia needs an additional 140,000 cubic metres of cold storage capacity by 2030 to meet its supply chain demands. The importance of Khmer Cold Chain and similar establishments cannot be overstated, as they help to reduce post-harvest losses and food wastage. Additionally, these facilities make farmers more competitive in both regional and international markets, especially for high-value fresh produce.
Khmer Cold Chain is committed to developing Cambodian cold chain infrastructure, improving supply chains and building market partnerships between developing countries and global markets.
About Khmer Cold Chain: Khmer Cold Chain is a leading third-party service provider of temperature-controlled logistics by operating modern cold chain infrastructure offering supply chain services to food and pharmaceutical importers, exporters and local producers. Khmer Cold Chain is an initiative by InfraCo Asia, a part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), in partnership with the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port. The facility is also supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and PIDG Technical Assistance. For more information, please visit khmercold.com
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