The CCC was founded in 1998. It sees itself as an association representing the interests of Cambodian craftspeople and providing services to those in the craft sector, especially traditional crafts, which are predominantly found in rural areas.
Since its founding, the CCC has been active in the areas of vocational training, the introduction of new technologies, and product marketing. Regional focuses included:
– Ceramic producers in Kampong Chhnang Province. As part of the above mentioned activities, four rural ceramic centers were established in the villages of Banh Chhkol, Oundoung Rossey, and Tropeang Speu. With the assistance of ceramic experts from Germany (Mr. and Mrs. Hastenteufel), Japan (Mr. Arai Shiro) and the Fine Royal Arts University of Phnom Penh (Mr. Chhun Pok, Mr. Proeung Kang), a multi-year training program was conducted for 120 female ceramic producers. This program introduced previously uncommon pottery wheels and modern kilns.
– Blacksmiths in the village of Kampong Luong (Kandal Province, near the ancient royal capital of Oudong). German silversmith Martina Dempf provided support in design development.
– Silk weavers in Takeo Province (Tanorn Village). The International Trade Center (ITC, Switzerland), with the support of a Swiss silk expert, assisted in the development of design and the introduction of modern dyes (German dyes).
– Wickerworkers in the province of Kratie (village of Chheu Tiel Ploch Leu) received training from the German wicker worker Mr. Michael Steinberg, Mr. Thomas Wimmer, Ms. Gaby Dingels and Mr. Franco Tillmann.
The partnership program with the Koblenz Chamber of Skilled Crafts (Handwerkskammer Koblenz) from 1997-2007, supported by SEQUA and financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, BMZ), played a crucial role in the founding and development of the CCC. Mr. Frank Ludwig, a renowned Cambodia expert and connoisseur of the Khmer language, worked as a consultant for the Koblenz Chamber in this partnership program in Cambodia.
The German Senior Expert Service also sent a number of experts, such as Dr. Siegfried Berg and Mr. Adam Vollmer, primarily for the introduction of new technologies, such as galvanizing in the field of silversmithing.
The CCC participated in numerous foreign trade fairs in Singapore, Thailand, Japan (Tokyo) and Germany (including „Ambiente“ in France).
The CCC is registered as an association with the Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Cambodia, N° 493 D., July 6th, 1998