Cambodia to have separate footwear body

[FIBRE2FASHION]

The Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC) has announced that a separate association would be formed by Cambodia's footwear factories to better represent the industry and attract buyers and sellers.

GMAC Chairman Van Sou Ieng said that the initiative would allow footwear factories to act collectively in a similar manner to garment factories in GMAC, which already has three footwear factories as its members.

The setting up of an independent association would not only let the footwear factories work together but also help them understand the issues among its members.

It may be noted that the Cambodian footwear exports have shown a gradual year-on-year increase over the years.

In 2010, 36 factories in the Kingdom exported footwear products worth US$ 172 million. In first quarter of 2011, footwear products worth US$ 65 million have been exported.

In 2011, total production of footwear is expected to touch US$ 250 million, as few large factories approved by the Government are expected to begin production. These new factories will generate additional employment for 3,000 to 5,000 people.

The final decision, however, to set up the association as an independent body or to stay with GMAC will be taken at a meeting to be held in June 2011.