Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia is set to take center stage in the global textile and garment industry with the launch of the Cambodia Global Textile Summit 2025, scheduled for March 31 to April 1 at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra. The landmark event will gather government leaders, international brands, industry stakeholders, and workers’ organizations to address the future of Cambodia’s most vital economic sector—garments, footwear, and travel goods (GFT).
The summit is co-organized by the Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), Better Factories Cambodia (BFC), EuroCham Cambodia, and GIZ, with strong support from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MoLVT). Discussions will cover Cambodia’s transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, economic competitiveness, and leadership in sustainability practices.
The event’s opening will feature distinguished speakers including H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training; Mr. Albert Tan, Deputy Chairman of TAFTAC; and Ms. Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, Regional Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO). A keynote address will be delivered by H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).
Sponsors Spotlight Commitment to Growth and Sustainability
In addition to policy dialogue, the summit showcases strong private sector support, with leading companies Wing Bank, Dakota Group, and GOLDFAME Group as event sponsors, reflecting their commitment to Cambodia’s GFT industry transformation.
Wing Bank brings financial sector expertise to the summit, emphasizing the growing role of digital banking solutions in supporting the industry’s sustainability and competitiveness. Dr. Dmytro Kolechko, CEO of Wing Bank, stated, “Wing Bank is proud to support Cambodia’s evolving role in the global apparel supply chain. This summit provides a vital platform for collaboration and sustainable growth. We are committed to empowering businesses, workers, and stakeholders with cutting-edge financial solutions that drive resilience and prosperity.”
Read More: Opinion – How Can Cambodia Keep Women in the Workforce After its LDC Graduation in 2029?
As one of Cambodia’s fastest-growing banks with over 11,000 agents and 170,000 SME merchants, Wing Bank aims to be a catalyst in enhancing financial inclusion for the sector’s ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Dakota Group, a Hong Kong-based garment manufacturer, reinforces the importance of adaptability and innovation. “The future of Cambodia’s garment industry lies in investing in new technologies, upskilling the workforce, and prioritizing sustainability,” said Mr. Herman Leung, Vice President of Sales and Operations. Dakota’s vertically integrated operations—from design to logistics—serve some of the world’s top brands, making the company a key player in driving Cambodia’s value-added production capacity.
Also joining as a main partner, GOLDFAME Group—Cambodia’s largest sweater manufacturer—demonstrates the strength of local industry leaders. With over 2,500 knitting machines and a monthly capacity exceeding 8 million sweaters, GOLDFAME operates a fully integrated production facility, including Southeast Asia’s largest in-house garment dyeing mill. Dr. Catherine Chan, Director of GOLDFAME Group, shared, “For over 30 years, GOLDFAME has championed innovation, productivity, and environmental sustainability. We’re proud to support this summit and help propel Cambodia’s textile industry to new heights on the global stage.”
A Platform for Collaboration and Industry Advancement
The Cambodia Global Textile Summit 2025 will serve as a critical platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue, focusing on responsible production, regulatory expectations, and supply chain due diligence. With the industry accounting for a significant portion of Cambodia’s GDP and employment, the summit aims to chart a sustainable growth path while strengthening resilience in a shifting global market.
According to Mr. Ken Loo, Secretary General of TAFTAC, “This first-ever summit brings together all relevant stakeholders for meaningful discussions on the GFT sector’s future. With strong government and private sector participation, I am confident we can overcome challenges ahead.”
GIZ’s FABRIC Cambodia Project Director, Mr. Marc Beckmann, added that Cambodia’s GFT sector has made significant progress in sustainability, but more can be done to enhance social and environmental performance. “The summit is an opportunity to further strengthen competitiveness and sustainability,” he said.
Similarly, Ms. Froukje Boele, Programme Manager of BFC, highlighted that the summit underscores Cambodia’s emerging role as a strategic sourcing hub. “This unique platform will forge innovative partnerships and drive responsible business practices across the sector,” she noted.
Elevating Cambodia’s Position in Global Supply Chains
As Cambodia continues its shift toward becoming a competitive, sustainable, and high-value player in global supply chains, the summit is expected to produce actionable outcomes that align with international market demands.
Mr. Massimiliano Tropeano, Sustainability and Garment Expert at EuroCham Cambodia, described the event as a “360-degree platform” covering topics from sustainability to sourcing, logistics, renewable energy, and circularity. “This initiative aims to put Cambodia firmly on the map of the international sustainable sourcing landscape,” he emphasized.
The summit also highlights Cambodia’s commitment to workforce development, supported by the Skills Development Fund (SDF), which works to upskill workers and align training with industry needs.
With robust backing from the government, international organizations, and the private sector, the Cambodia Global Textile Summit 2025 represents a pivotal step in securing the future of Cambodia’s GFT sector.
