'Cambodian garment sector growing despite competition'

Some buyers are now placing orders from countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh, and decreasing their sourcing from Cambodia, GMAC president Van Sou Ieng said at an event this week.

In 2016, total export value of around 600 GMAC members stood at $6.8 billion, which was nine per cent more than the previous year. However, this was slightly lower than the average annual growth rate of 10 per cent registered over the years, Sou Ieng said.

He was, however, optimistic about Cambodian travel goods industry due to duty-free privileges offered by the US since last July.

Speaking at the same event, Cambodian labour minister Ith Sam Heng applauded strong growth of garment sector, which employs 750,000 people. He said the minimum wage is currently at $153 per month and along with other additional benefits, workers take home around $170-180 per month. (RKS)

ALCHEMPro News Desk – India