Content
Cambodia’s textile industry is a key economic sector generating more than 40% of the country’s exports. The industry also provides employment and income for many textile workers, most of whom are women. However, it is facing major challenges, with rising production costs, low local profits and inadequate environmental standards all jeopardising competitiveness. The industry is also under increasing pressure to fulfil international sustainability requirements.
Objective
The Cambodian garment industry is better positioned to meet international environmental and social sustainability requirements.
Approach
The project works with the Cambodian Government, industry associations such as the Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), international brands and retailers.
It focuses on three key measures:
- Recycling and circular economy: the project promotes local textile waste management so that producers can recycle textile waste and thus contribute to environmentally and climate-friendly production.
- Advising policy-makers and implementing an industry strategy: its supports the government in adapting or introducing legislation and regulation to improve environmental and social standards.
- Promoting gender equality and participation by women: the project improves women’s co-determination and access to grievance mechanisms while providing training on labour rights, financial literacy and digital skills. These measures are being implemented and expanded through the Women Empowerment House (WE House) and special events throughout the country, including in factories.