AKP Phnom Penh, April 09, 2026 -- The Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC) has sought for closer cooperation with the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) to support the development of upstream industries, as part of efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s manufacturing base.

According to a statement issued on April 9, TAFTAC, its president Mr. Enjoy Ho paid a courtesy call to H.E. Kun Nhim, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister and Director General of GDCE, on Wednesday to reinforce ongoing collaboration between the two sides.

During the meeting, the association outlined its priorities for attracting upstream investment, particularly in the production of raw materials and the import of modern machinery to support the textile, garment, footwear and travel goods sectors. 

TAFTAC also expressed appreciation for GDCE’s longstanding support over more than three decades, especially efforts to streamline import-export procedures and deliver training programmes. 

These include sessions on Post Clearance Audit (PCA), which have helped member companies better understand and comply with regulatory requirements.

For his part, H.E. Kun Nhim reaffirmed its strong support for the sector, describing it as a cornerstone of Cambodia’s economy and a major source of employment. 

Both sides agreed to establish a regular communication forum aimed at improving coordination, sharing information and addressing emerging challenges.

Exports of garment, footwear and travel goods (GFT) continued to post steady growth in early 2026, rising by 6.19 percent year-on-year in the first two months, according to the latest trade statistics from GDCE.

GFT exports totalled approximately US$2.59 billion from January to February 2026, compared with US$2.44 billion in the same period of 2025. 
The sector accounted for nearly half of the Kingdom’s total exports, which reached US$5.22 billion over the two-month period.

By Sum Kosal