Cambodia Investment Review
EuroCham, in collaboration with Wing Bank (Cambodia) Plc., Control Union (Cambodia) Co Ltd, the Garment and Manufacturing Committee, the Responsible Business Hub, and the Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), is proud to announce the Responsible Business GFT Awards 2024. The prestigious event – which was made possible thanks to a contribution from GIZ FABRIC – will take place on Friday, 22 November at the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, and will honour leaders in Cambodia’s thriving Garment, Footwear, and Travel Goods (GFT) sectors who are driving positive change through sustainable business practices.
The Responsible Business GFT Awards 2024 aims to highlight and celebrate the achievements of Cambodia’s GFT producers, who play a key role in the country’s economic growth. This year’s awards will spotlight organisations and individuals that are committed to sustainability, innovation, and responsible production, fostering a shift towards a more sustainable and collaborative industry.
Recognising Sustainability Efforts and Industry Transformation
Mr. Ken Loo, Secretary General of TAFTAC, emphasised that the event is focused on recognising sustainability efforts and industry transformation within Cambodia’s textiles, apparel, footwear, and accessories sectors.
It will provide an invaluable opportunity for businesses to network, exchange ideas, enhance brand visibility in the dynamic GFT industry, and align with key stakeholders to set new standards in a global market increasingly demanding responsible and innovative practices.
In partnership with Wing Bank and Control Union, the awards will not only recognise industry leaders but also promote ongoing efforts to transform the GFT sector. Through these awards, EuroCham and its partners hope to inspire other businesses to adopt sustainable practices and strengthen their role in driving Cambodia’s green economy forward.
This year’s event will feature nine prestigious awards across three key categories: Social Excellence, Environmental Excellence, and Innovation. Among the awards to be presented are those recognising achievements in Workers Empowerment, Sustainable Energy Management, and Circuitry and Textile Waste Recycling. In addition, special recognition will be given to outstanding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cambodia, with a dedicated SME Excellence Award to highlight their contributions to sustainability and innovation.
A Rigorous and Impartial Evaluation Process
Winners in each category will be selected based on a comprehensive set of criteria, with assessments made by Control Union after reviewing both written and visual submissions. A panel of esteemed judges – three per category – will be handpicked by GFT industry experts to ensure a rigorous and impartial evaluation process.
“In Cambodia, there are numerous examples of factories and businesses that are leading the way in responsible practices, striving to set the benchmark for excellence,” said Massimiliano Tropeano, Integrated Expert on Sustainability in the Garment Sector at EuroCham. “However, these efforts often go unrecognised. Through our collaboration with TAFTAC and the Responsible Business Hub, we launched these awards to honour the best in class and inspire others to follow their lead. We are proud to partner with Wing Bank in celebrating the pioneers who are establishing new standards for sustainability in Cambodia’s garment and manufacturing sectors. The Responsible Business GFT Awards serve as a platform to recognise the positive impact of responsible business practices and foster greater collaboration across industries.”
The winning companies will each receive 100,000 Wingpoints, which can be redeemed on Wing Bank’s exclusive e-commerce platform, Wingmall, as well as at thousands of Wing-affiliated merchants nationwide, offering them unparalleled access to a wide range of products and services.
“At Wing Bank, we firmly believe that sustainable practices are essential to building a prosperous future,” said Bunthe Hor, Deputy CEO of Wing Bank. “By supporting this impactful initiative, we are investing in a vision for Cambodia’s garment industry – one that empowers workers, protects the environment, and drives meaningful change throughout the country.”
“The Responsible Business GFT Awards 2024 is set to be a landmark event, with over 150 participants from Cambodia’s leading brands, logistics companies, and certification bodies gathering for the gala dinner,” said Tropeano.
This event marks a significant milestone in Cambodia’s sustainability journey, honouring the collective efforts of businesses that are making a lasting impact on the environment and society.
