[PHNOM PENH POST]
GROWING demand from European and Asian buyers has driven up Cambodia’s
garment exports during the first half of 2011, according to experts.
Eased
country of origin requirements for duty-free exports to the European
Union, and emerging demand from Asian countries had sped the industry’s
growth, said Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia official
Cheat Khemera.
“The demand from European markets is picking up.
Although some countries are facing economic problems, the demand is
still there,” he said.
Garment exports increased by 32 percent in
the first half of 2011 compared year on year, reaching US$1.858
billion, according to statistics from the Ministry of Commerce’s
Camcontrol Department.
The United States was the largest export
market during the first half, receiving garment exports worth $960
million, a 17 percent increase on the period last year. Exports to
Europe increased 54 percent to $532 million during the period, while
exports to other markets such as Canada, Japan and Korea increase by 49
percent to $366 million.
“Now, the US market is still narrow
although their economy has recovered. But they are still trying to make
improvements, so demand is not huge yet,” he said.
Ministry of
Commerce Statistics Director Kong Putheara said some European countries
and Asian markets were seen as strong destinations for the industry to
grow in coming years. “People can start making more income after being
hard hit by the crisis, so demand will follow, and we can enjoy
exporting more,” he said.
Garment factory owners said they had seen increased interest from Europe.
Injae
Garment Factory Managing Director Nam Shik-kang said the firm’s exports
were up by about 20 percent in the first six months. “My factory is
running exports to the USA, and also many European buyers are coming to
find a production base in Cambodia,” he said.
Cheat Khemara
highlighted the requirement for employers and employees to work towards
building a favourable climate for the industry.
No comments:
Post a Comment