Cambodia Textile Summit 2026 Focuses on Skills, Sustainability and Supply Chain Resilience

Industry leaders discuss workforce development, circular manufacturing and logistics challenges as Cambodia's garment sector prepares for a changing global trade environment.

The Cambodia Textile Summit 2026, held in Phnom Penh, brought together close to 300 participants representing government agencies, manufacturers, trade unions, industry associations and development organisations to discuss the future of Cambodia's garment, footwear and travel goods (GFT) sector.

The discussions took place as the industry prepares for increasing geopolitical uncertainty, higher logistics costs and Cambodia's forthcoming graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

Opening the summit, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training H.E. Heng Sour said the industry is facing multiple challenges, including trade headwinds, fluctuating energy prices and continued global economic uncertainty. He emphasised the need to enhance Cambodia's competitiveness through policy measures and operational improvements.

Industry Skills Framework Introduced

During the summit, Dr. Ken Loo, Secretary General of the Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association of Cambodia (TAFTAC), outlined the newly developed Cambodia Skills Framework, an industry-led initiative aimed at strengthening workforce capabilities and establishing clearer career pathways within manufacturing facilities.

The framework is expected to improve productivity while supporting manufacturers in moving toward higher value-added production as Cambodia's preferential trade advantages gradually decline following LDC graduation.

Industry participants noted that continued investment in technical skills and management capabilities will be important for maintaining Cambodia's position within global supply chains.

Supply Chain Challenges Remain a Key Concern

Speakers also examined the external pressures affecting exporters.

Martin Brisson, Executive Director of EuroCham Cambodia, highlighted several challenges, including regional border disruptions, uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy and conflict in the Middle East, which continue to increase production costs and add complexity to supply chains.

Despite these conditions, speakers noted that Cambodia's GFT exports have continued to expand beyond traditional garment products into footwear and travel goods, contributing to export diversification.

Rutger Heijsteeg, Managing Director of Maersk Cambodia, stated that reducing administrative procedures and improving customs efficiency could further strengthen Cambodia's competitiveness as a sourcing destination by improving logistics reliability and reducing costs.

Textile Recycling Identified as Investment Opportunity

Sustainability and circular manufacturing featured prominently during the summit.

Organisers introduced a new investor guide on textile waste management and recycling, outlining opportunities to expand domestic recycling infrastructure as international demand for recycled materials continues to increase.

Speakers noted that Cambodia generates significant volumes of textile waste but currently has limited local recycling capacity, creating opportunities for private investment in textile sorting, recovery and recycling facilities while supporting the industry's environmental transition.

Worker Safety and Industry Collaboration

Panel discussions also focused on occupational safety, including heat stress management in factories and the development of Cambodia's upcoming occupational safety and health legislation.

The summit concluded with calls for continued cooperation among government agencies, manufacturers, buyers, labour representatives and development partners to improve productivity, sustainability, working conditions and long-term competitiveness across Cambodia's GFT sector.

The Cambodia Textile Summit 2026 was co-hosted by TAFTAC, the International Labour Organization, Better Factories Cambodia and GIZ, with support from EuroCham Cambodia and Canada as an international partner. Discussions reflected the industry's increasing emphasis on resilience, workforce development and sustainable growth as Cambodia prepares for its next phase of economic development.