AKP Phnom Penh, February 13, 2026 --

H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, has shared Cambodia’s experience in strengthening labour standards and due diligence related to human rights, environmental compliance, occupational safety and health, and social dialogue at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Forum in France.

The Minister made the remarks while participating as a panel speaker at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector, held on Feb. 12 in Paris.

During the discussion, H.E. Heng Sour highlighted Cambodia’s efforts to support the sustainable development of the garment, footwear and travel goods (GFT) sector – one of the country’s core economic pillars that drives growth, creates employment, and contributes to poverty reduction. He underlined that these achievements are supported by the effective enforcement of legal provisions related to human rights and environmental protection throughout the production chain.

The Minister noted that Cambodia has modernised its labour inspection system, strengthened freedom of professional organisations, ensured the sustainability of the Arbitration Council, promoted gender equality, and improved workplace management and conditions nationwide.

H.E. Heng Sour emphasised that compliance with labour and environmental standards should not be viewed as a burden, but rather as an opportunity to enhance Cambodia’s competitiveness and deepen its integration into global supply chains.

He also highlighted Cambodia’s close cooperation with social and development partners, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and GIZ, noting that Cambodia was the first country to implement the Better Factories Cambodia (ILO-BFC) programme, which has since been replicated in other countries.

The GFT sector remains Cambodia’s primary source of foreign currency, accounting for around 50 percent of total exports. According to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the industry currently comprises more than 1,500 factories and branches, employing over 900,000 workers, the majority of whom are women.

Cambodia exported garments, footwear and travel goods worth US$15.5 billion in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 15.7 percent, an official report showed.

By Chea Vannak