The China Textile Association in Cambodia (CTAC) was launched recently to boost Cambodia’s garment industry. It will offer legal advice to investors, particularly from China, and those considering investment and liaison in Cambodia. Cambodian minister of industry and handicrafts Cham Prasidh said the association will be a key partner of the government. The government hopes that the association will help attract investment in garments and related industries, Prasidh told attendees at the launch event, according to a Cambodian newspaper report. He urged investors to consider exporting to new markets, including Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and South Korea. Cambodia has 663 factories. Of these, 520 manufacture garments, while 83 make footwear. The rest produce bags. The industry employs about 800,000 Cambodians, 80 per cent of whom are women, according to the ministry of industry and handicrafts. Research by Dezan Shira & Associates shows the garment industry in the country is dominated by foreign companies, particularly from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea.
