EuroCham Cambodia signs MoU with GMAC

The purpose of the MoU is to foster a closer cooperation between the two associations and their members and to support European garment companies and fashion brands in Cambodia, but also to promote Cambodia’s opportunities on the European stage both in Europe and in ASEAN.

Symbolically, the MoU was signed this morning at the facilities of the Cambodian Garment Training Institute (CGTI) in Phnom Penh. As one of the first actions under the new cooperation, EuroCham will set up a public training program with CGTI, focused on sustainable textile sourcing, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and compliance. EuroCham herein coordinates support of the German development agency GIZ under the FABRIC program, a multi-year program promoting sustainability and social responsibility in the textile and garment industry in Asia, to fund the training initiative, EuroCham Cambodia and GMAC said in a joint press release.

Other areas of cooperation include addressing sustainable production-related issues and environmental awareness in the production chain, exploring opportunities of the industry 4.0 and assisting European brands with responsible sourcing from Cambodia.

“EuroCham represents a good mix of large European fashion brands that play a crucial role in Cambodia’s garment and manufacturing industry, as well as local, innovative SMEs, factories and peripheric businesses such as auditing and logistic firms focused on the garment industry and its exports. There is thus a strong synergy across our membership base, which also makes us a powerhouse that is capable of driving the interests of the industry and its stakeholders forward. Embracing new initiatives such as supply chain due diligence legislation in the European Union will of course be crucial to leverage export opportunities. We are glad that GMAC, as the main industry organisation, is our companion on this important journey. We are looking forward to a fruitful cooperation and to add a European perspective to the wider Cambodian garment, footwear and apparel industry,'' Tassilo Brinzer, chairman of EuroCham Cambodia, said.

“Cambodia and the European Union have been main trading partners. The success and exponential export growth of our industry can be attributed in large part to a preferential market access of the European Union granted under the EBA scheme. It’s important to continue to maximize the economic benefit through more growth potential. The MoU signed is an invaluable partnership to further strengthen the industry’s competitiveness through capacity building in many areas and joint advocacy to influence relevant policies,” Kong Sang, chairman of GMAC, said.

The signing of the MoU follows the recent founding by EuroCham of its “Garment and Manufacturing” sectorial committee, bringing together its relevant members in a dedicated advocacy vehicle, the release added.

The cooperation between GMAC and EuroCham anticipates the upcoming release of the government of Cambodia’s new five-year development strategy for the garment, footwear and travel goods industry which is expected to transform the industry towards environmental sustainability, resilience, and a focus on high value and unique products, with high competitiveness.

With $11.38 billion export value in 2021, of which a large share continues to go to Europe, Cambodia’s garment and footwear sector remains the pinnacle of the Cambodian economy. GMAC and EuroCham Cambodia are dedicated to supporting the continued growth of the industry in a responsible manner, contributing to the ever-increasing welfare of the Cambodian people.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)