LIONPRO, a European feed-ingredients trading and animal nutrition company with strong expertise in aquaculture education and innovation, is expanding its presence in Asia through a strategic partnership with Wing Bank, one of Cambodia’s fastest-growing digital finance institutions, and the Cambodia Aquaculturist Association (CAA).

The collaboration aims to enhance knowledge transfer, practical training, and financial empowerment across Cambodia’s rapidly growing aquaculture industry—supporting farmers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in adopting sustainable and innovative practices.

“Knowledge transfer and strengthening practical skills are essential to developing the aquaculture sector and ensuring national food security. Cambodia’s farming community is eager to adopt new ideas and technologies that will make the agricultural sector more competitive,” said Yun Sovannarith, Board Member of the Cambodia Aquaculture Institute and Aquaculture Director of the Techo Farmers Network Association.

The Cambodia Aquaculturist Association has been instrumental in uniting the country’s aquaculture community behind this initiative. Through close collaboration, the Association is accelerating the professionalization of the sector and ensuring that education, innovation, and access to financing reach aquaculture farmers nationwide.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Cambodia’s aquaculture production reached 348,350 metric tons in 2021, accounting for 40.7% of total fisheries production. The 2021 Cambodia Agriculture Survey, conducted by the National Institute of Statistics, reported that around 89,050 agricultural households were engaged in aquaculture activities—a clear sign of the sector’s growing significance.

“Knowledge is the foundation of sustainability. When farmers understand how products work and how to properly formulate feed, it enhances both animal health and productivity—laying the groundwork for more stable and profitable farming,” said Zane Kuļikovska, Member of the Board at LIONPRO. 

“At Wing Bank, we believe that real progress begins when people are empowered,” said Dr. Dmytro Kolechko, CEO of Wing Bank. “By joining hands with LIONPRO and the CAA, we are not just investing in Cambodia’s aquaculture sector. We are investing in the farmers themselves. Our goal is to give them the knowledge, confidence, and financial tools they need to grow sustainably and build a stronger future for their communities.”

Through this partnership, Wing Bank will provide tailored financial solutions to aquaculture entrepreneurs seeking to expand their operations. Eligible applicants can access loans of up to USD 500,000, with competitive interest rates starting at 8.5% per annum and flexible repayment terms of up to 10 years—offering farmers financial stability and confidence to invest in sustainable growth.

Fisheries play a vital role in Cambodia’s agrifood system, contributing approximately 3% of national GDP, producing more than half a million tonnes of aquatic food annually, and supplying up to 80% of the population’s protein intake, according to the FAO. However, the sector has faced challenges such as climate change, habitat degradation, and resource depletion.

This new initiative directly supports Cambodia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Development (2016–2030), which emphasizes strengthening farmer capacity, improving access to quality inputs, and expanding financial mechanisms to enhance productivity and competitiveness. It also aligns with Cambodia’s Strategic Plan for Fisheries Conservation and Management (2020–2029), which advocates for environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially inclusive aquaculture practices.

By combining global expertise, local knowledge, and financial innovation, the partnership between LIONPRO, Wing Bank, and the CAA marks a pivotal step toward building a sustainable and resilient aquaculture industry in Cambodia—one that supports livelihoods, ensures food security, and contributes to the nation’s long-term economic development.