News

• 08 November, 2024
• Posted by: EuroCham Cambodia

 

This week, Senior Communications Officer Stew Post turned his attention to Cambodia's Garment, Footwear and Travel Goods (GFT) industry and sat down with Ken Loo, Secretary General of the Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association of Cambodia (TAFTAC). 

The pair discussed the release of a new GFT sector brief, the importance of interorganisational cooperation and, with EuroCham’s Responsible Business GFT Awards taking place in two weeks, the increasingly important role of sustainability in GFT operations. 

 

Stew: Wednesday saw the official launch of the Cambodia Garment, Footwear and Travel Goods (GFT) Sector Brief Issue no. 3, a joint production of TAFTAC, EuroCham and the Responsible Business Hub. Why do you think it is important for these organisations to collaborate on this type of project?

Ken: The organisations have similar areas of concern because we both represent members that invest in the GFT industry. EuroCham has members that are involved in this sector, but from a different perspective from ours. They represent brands and buyers from Europe and, of course, TAFTAC represents the manufacturers. 

However, we have very little access to the buyers and EuroCham has little access to the factories, so it’s important that we communicate, collaborate and understand the concerns raised from both sides. I think it is good that we have ongoing interaction and communication so that the concerns from both sides can be raised, discussed and hopefully resolved.

 

Stew: Can you share some of the key trends highlighted in the latest GFT Sector Brief?  How do you see these trends shaping the future of Cambodia’s garment, footwear, and travel goods industries?

Ken: Some key trends highlighted in the latest GFT Sector Brief include the adoption of sustainable practices, digitalisation of wage payments, and efforts to promote gender equality and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workforce. These trends are shaping the future of Cambodia's GFT industries by driving improvements in social and environmental sustainability, enhancing transparency and efficiency in wage payments, and fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

 

Stew: GFT manufacturers have become key supporters of these types of sustainability and responsible business practices. Why do you think efforts have taken hold in the GFT sector?

Ken: Efforts to promote sustainability and responsible business practices in the GFT sector have taken hold due to increased awareness among consumers, pressures from international buyers and stakeholders, and a growing recognition of the importance of social and environmental responsibility. Recent and upcoming legislation in our main export markets, including the HREDD (Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence) law of Germany and the CSDDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive) of the EU, also imposes new requirements on our members.

 

Stew: What are some of TAFTAC’s key goals and priorities for the coming year – particularly in terms of supporting sustainability and responsible business practices?

Ken: Some of TAFTAC's key goals and priorities for the coming year in terms of supporting sustainability and responsible business practices in Cambodia's GFT industries include promoting ethical sourcing practices, enhancing transparency in supply chains, and advocating for improved working conditions. We will also work to address the industry needs on renewable energy and circularity. Of course, the most important point is to continue to work towards increasing our competitiveness by reducing the costs of doing business in Cambodia. 

We will also focus our efforts on attracting more upstream industries to come to Cambodia so we can meet the new challenges that will come with LDC graduation. Through these initiatives, TAFTAC aims to drive positive change in the industry and improve its overall sustainability and competitiveness.