Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), yesterday said that the textile sector has experienced a remarkable 50 percent annual growth in exports, reaching a total export value of $14 billion last year.
Speaking at the ‘Cambodia Global Textile Summit 2025’ themed ‘Shaping the Future: Competitiveness and Sustainability’, at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra in the capital, Chanthol said that this “sector has now become the voice of Cambodia, evolving into a crucial pillar of the national economy”.
On his part, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) Heng Sour said that Cambodia has long been a major supplier of textile products, particularly to the United States and European markets.
Sour said the Cambodia Global Textile Summit 2025 will enhance the Kingdom’s appeal as a prime destination for business and investment. “The summit will explore strategies to elevate labour standards, environmental management and circular economy practices, aligning with global expectations to bolster the textile sector’s resilience amid shifting economic conditions and Cambodia’s impending graduation from LDC status.”
He also noted that the MLVT has introduced a range of policies, strategies and regulations in line with Prime Minister Hun Manet’s vision to support and strengthen the textile industry, a key pillar of the national economy.
Among other dignitaries present on the occasion were Abert Tan, Deputy Chairman of the Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), Xiaoyan Qian, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Penghuy Ngov representing International Economics Consulting (Cambodia Office).
Addressing the opening ceremony, Chanthol extended warm greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Manet to the participants, particularly the global leaders and innovators who gathered to discuss the future of the Kingdom’s garment, footwear and travel goods industries.
“As we embark on this two-day summit, let us be guided by the spirit of cooperation and a shared vision for prosperity. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and further establish Cambodia as a premier destination for investment and innovation in the textile sector,” he said.
Chanthol went on to add that in an era of economic transformation, the Kingdom stands as a beacon of opportunity, strategically positioned at the heart of Southeast Asia.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia has launched strategic initiatives to position Cambodia as a key player in international manufacturing, reinforcing our vision for sustainable economic growth and expanding industrial capabilities.”
Highlighting the government’s efforts over the past five years has yielded remarkable results, Chanthol said, “The role of exports from the textile sector has seen a phenomenal increase of 50 percent every year, accumulating the export value at $14 billion last year alone.”
“This sector has now become the voice of Cambodia, evolving into a crucial pillar of the national economy. Naturally, the Kingdom benefits significantly from its geographic advantage,” he said.
“Our strategic location is further strengthened by active engagement with ASEAN, enhancing our integration into global markets, fostering innovation and solidifying our role in the regional economy.”
A panel discussion on ‘Cambodia Garment, Footwear and Travel Goods 2030,’ moderated by Massimiliano Tropeano, Integrated Expert at the European Chamber of Commerce and the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) was conducted featuring Samhang Bora, Secretary of State at the MoC, Giang Vu, Director of Government and Public Affairs at Nike, Catherine Chan, Director of Goldfame Group, and Fatya Mamcu, ASEAN Regional Head of Li & Fung.
