Cambodia's garment export rises remarkably in 2011

[XINHUA]

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 17 -- Cambodia's garment export rose remarkably in 2011, according to a report released Tuesday by National Alliance Chamber of Cambodia (NACC).

"The total exports in 2011 amounted to 4 billion U.S. dollars, some 500 million U.S. dollars more than expected, " the report said, adding that in 2010, the total exports was just more than 3 billion U.S. dollars.

Also in 2011, roughly 50 new factories was opened in Cambodia, while only one suspended operation, it said.

On the labor force, NACC said the minimum salary for some 450, 000 Cambodian workers in this sector in 2011 was 61 to 75 U.S. dollars per month.

However, the average salary including their overtime payment was between 95 to 155 U.S. dollars per month.

According to the report, the impressive point for those employed in this sector is that they can help their dependents at home, especially in the rural areas.

"Based on our research, salary for one garment worker can help support three persons," the report said.

NACC, meanwhile, noted that strikes in 2011 remarkably decreased from years earlier.

It said there were only 33 cases recorded in 2011.

Garment is one of the major export earners for the country's economy.