The 4th Cambodian International Textile and Garment Industry Exhibition, and the concurrently held 4th Cambodian International Machinery Industrial Fair, are together billed as the largest industrial event in the country with 260 exhibitors from 21 countries. However, domestic players, despite the garment sector accounting for 80 per cent of exports, had a very small representation during the exhibition.
But for suppliers currently exhibiting their wares at a trade show this weekend on Phnom Penh’s Koh Pich island, Cambodia’s garment industry represents a tiny fraction of their total sales. Though Cambodia accounts for roughly four percent of the global garment industry, a number of the exhibitors were uncertain about the country’s investment environment.
While the companies interested in sourcing from Cambodia are keen to increase their investments in the country, they seek able support from the Cambodian government. The 500 odd factories, mainly supplying to export markets are producing low quality goods but importers are not always bothered about the labour cost but want a quality product too, so they continue to depend upon China instead of exploring opportunities in Cambodia.
The exports of garments and textiles from Cambodia grew by 8.98 per cent to $1.173 billion in January-March 2014, compared to exports of $1.076 billion made during the same period last year, according to the consolidated data released by the GMAC.
