ILO : The Cambodian garment industry is doing well one year after the Multi-Fiber Arrangement (MFA) finished, according to new figures released today by ILO Better Factories Cambodia.  

The ILO Better Factories Cambodia today releases a new fact sheet on the industry’s post quota performance - "Cambodian garment industry: One year later".

The fact sheet shows that the total value of exports of Cambodian garment and textile increased almost 10 percent to $2.175 billion in 2005.  Exports to US grew by just over 10 percent in quantity and nearly 20 percent in value. From to , nearly 30,000 new jobs were created.  The total number of garment workers was 293,600 in April 2006.  The number of factories increased approximately 13 percent in 2005 despite some factories closing.  

"This data is very encouraging," said Ms Ros Harvey, Chief Technical Advisor for ILO Better Factories Cambodia.“We are seeing a steady growth in the sector. However there are still many challenges ahead for the industry." The ILO research shows that the average wage remained fixed at US$72 per moth, yet represented a 6% decrease in real wage when adjusted for inflation. The research indicates that prices per piece also fell by 4.47%. “The data reflects a worldwide trend. This is putting added pressure in the Cambodian garment industry," said Ms Harvey. "We need to build on the successes and further improve labour standards and productivity in the industry. This is not a trade-off," said Ms Harvey.  

For more information please contact:  

Mr Vuth Lyno,
Communications Officer
Better Factories Cambodia
Phone: 012 756 765
lyno@ilo.org

Ms Sophy Fisher
Regional Information Officer
ILO - Bangkok
Direct Line:  +66(0)2288 2482
Mobile : +66 (0) 9895 0912
fisher@ilo.org