AKP Phnom Penh, January 17, 2026 --

Cambodia exported garment, footwear and travel products (GFT) worth US$15.7 billion in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 15.8 percent, according to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training.

The figures were shared by its Minister H.E. Heng Sour while presiding over the 17th Conference of the Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association of Cambodia (TAFTAC) held on Jan. 17 at the Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone with approximately 300 participants.

On the occasion, H.E. Heng Sour spoke highly of TAFTAC’s significant role as a reliable partner of the Royal Government, employers, and a good partner for workers in negotiating and discussing various tasks aimed at maintaining and expanding this sector, as well as contributing to the promotion of working conditions, welfare, and labour rights in Cambodia.

“Over the past 29 years, TAFTAC has served as a unified voice for investors, protecting and promoting the legitimate rights and interests of all investors, and has established forums for consultation and social dialogue with all stakeholders to create an investment environment conducive to export growth and sustainable development,” he said. 

As of 2025, the number of factories, enterprises, and establishments registered with the Ministry increased to 46,649 enterprises, and the number of workers rose to 2.14 million, the Ministry pointed out.

The GFT industry is the Cambodia’s largest foreign exchange earner, accounting for 50 percent of the Kingdom’s total export value during the above-mentioned period.

H.E Minister said that this new leadership will enable the Association to continue its strong spirit of solidarity to become a driving force in attracting new investors and increasing the confidence of existing investors. 

The success of this new mandate will bring direct benefits to employers and employees through job creation and income generation, as well as contribute significantly to maintaining macroeconomic stability and diversifying Cambodia's industrial structure in line with the long-term vision of the Royal Government, he added. 

H.E Minister also asked TAFTAC to continue to increase membership trust with transparency, accountability, efficiency, and professionalism, as well as continue to promote priority work in a proactive spirit with the ILO-BFC project and participate in the ‘One Enterprise as One Peaceful Community’ campaign to strengthen the culture of compliance and harmonisation of professional relations.

By Chea Vannak