The export of textiles, garment, footwear and travel products and bags sectors are the key sector for the Cambodian economy and remain as the country’s most important export sector, with annual growth of an average of approximately 10 percent over the past 10 years.
Although Cambodia experienced a a slight decline in 2020, a good recovery was recorded in 2021, with exports in the first 10 months increasing significantly. Garment exports totaled $6.538 billion, an increase of 6 percent over the previous year, footwear exports were recorded at $1.113 billion, an increase of 20 percent while exports of travel products was valued at $1.179 billion, an increase of 49 percent.
The textile, garment, footwear and travel products and bags sectors had only a few factories, enterprises and workers when Cambodia started to open its economy and receive investments since 1993 and has continued to grow, especially from the year time Cambodia achieved full peace and then after 1999, when the Royal Government signed a trade agreement with the United States, sealing trade with international labor standards.
By the end of 2021, the number of officially registered factories in the sector has increased to more than 1,200, providing systematic employment to nearly 1 million workers.
In 2021, the total export value of this sector is estimated at $10 billion or about 63 percent of the total export value of Cambodia. The lives of workers have also gradually improved with the attention of the Royal Government through the continuous increase of the minimum wage.
From 1997 to 2021, the Royal Government increased the minimum wage for workers 18 times, increasing from $40 in 1997 to $194 this year. This year, including bonuses, seniority and other benefits, each worker can receive a salary from $211 to $222 per month.
In addition to the nearly 1 million workers who directly benefit, more than 2 million people indirectly benefit from this sector.