Cambodia’s garment industry calls for stronger skills training to boost value-added manufacturing

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 6, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s garment industry is urging stronger workforce training and skills development to support the country’s shift toward higher value-added manufacturing, industry leaders said Wednesday at the Cambodia–ASEAN Business Summit.

Speaking at a panel discussion, Enjoy Ho, chairman of the Textile Apparel Footwear and Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), noted that the sector has expanded dramatically over the past three decades, transforming into one of the world’s major export hubs.

Ho said the industry’s growth has been supported by cooperation between the private sector and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, particularly in training and capacity building for factory workers.

He highlighted the Cambodian Garment Training Institute, which provides technical training to ensure compliance with international labour and production standards.

With backing from the government’s Skill Development Fund, the institute trains thousands of workers each year, boosting productivity and upgrading workforce capabilities.

Ho stressed that Cambodia has become a regional model for labour compliance and industry standards, but continued investment in training will be vital to move the sector toward more sophisticated, value-added manufacturing.

He added that TAFTAC remains committed to working closely with the government to strengthen technical and vocational training and further elevate the skills of Cambodia’s manufacturing workforce.