The Ministry of Commerce plans to register the collective trademark “Nom Banh Chok Siem Reap”, which is a unique type of noodle that is characteristic of a commune just northeast of Siem Reap town.

The collective trademark is intended to offer protections for the local product and facilitate its promotion to domestic and overseas markets, and Siem Reap Provincial Administration researchers also plan to compile traditional recipes from the community for the noodle as part of this process.

The province’s information department said that Nom Banh Chok Siem Reap from Banteay Srei district’s Preah Dak commune should be available on the international market after the registration of the collective trademark in the near future.

The commerce ministry plans to officially launch trademarks or geographical indications (GI) for a host of products on April 26, including: “Kampot-Kep Salt”, “Kampot-Kep Fish Sauce”, “Takeo Crayfish”, “Ambok Kampong Thom” (a flattened rice preparation), “Koh Pi Pomelos” and “Battambang Wax Coconuts” (or “Doung Khtis Battambang”).

The April 26 launch date was chosen to coincide with World Intellectual Property Day and the event will be held at Phnom Penh Hotel. Cambodia is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Ho Sivyong, director-general of trade support services at the commerce ministry, said the ministry has been speeding up the registration of GIs and collective trademarks to enhance the competitiveness of unique Cambodian specialty products in international markets.

Sivyong stated that the Siem Reap provincial administration conducted a preliminary study and assessment of the feasibility for registering and determined that it was a viable option. The plan is for the locally-made product to be standardised for export to foreign markets.

Sivyong added that this trademark will play a role in generating additional sources of income for the community and it will further promote Cambodia’s traditional culture.

Hun Sambath, deputy governor of Banteay Srei district, said that he was very pleased that the commerce ministry had undertaken this effort and planned to register it and help its introduction to the international market.

“We are really applauding the commerce ministry for the assistance it is providing to Siem Reap on this matter, especially our Preah Dak commune. For producers, consumers and vendors, the registration will guarantee a high standard for the noodles, which will be very hygienic and delicious and the standardised production means will only help with that,” he said.

The ministry has registered four GIs: Kampot pepper, Kampong Speu palm sugar, Koh Trong pomelos, and Mondulkiri wild honey.