Cambodia Emphasizes Sustainability and Worker Welfare for Global Supply Chain Competitiveness

AKP Phnom Penh, September 8, 2026 -- Strict adherence to international environmental standards and strong worker welfare practices are essential to strengthening Cambodia’s position in global supply chains, said H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce. The Minister made the remarks during an official delegation visit to XO TEX Industrial Co., Ltd., a garment manufacturer, on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, highlighting the importance of sustainable production in enhancing the long-term reputation and competitiveness of Cambodia’s export sector. The high-level delegation was welcomed by Ms. Emily Sun Joo Kaisen, Senior Director and Country Manager for Sourcing Operations at Adidas, and Mr. Ching Kelvin, President of XO TEX Industrial Co., Ltd., together with members of the company’s executive management. The visit provided an opportunity for the Ministry of Commerce and the company’s management to exchange views on factory operations, purchase orders, export logistics and plans for future expansion. During the site inspection, H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul commended XO TEX Industrial for its efforts to develop energy-efficient infrastructure, adopt environmentally friendly production practices and promote worker welfare. She stressed that compliance with international environmental standards, combined with full adherence to labour requirements, provides Cambodian garment manufacturers with an important competitive advantage in international markets, particularly among leading global retailers. H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul also briefed the company’s management on the implementation of Cambodia’s electronic Certificate of Origin (e-Certificate of Origin) system, which forms part of the Government’s efforts to modernise trade facilitation and improve the delivery of public services through digital technology. The e-Certificate of Origin system is aimed at enhancing transparency in trade procedures, preventing fraudulent claims of origin and ensuring compliance with rules of origin under preferential trade agreements, she said. The Minister further encouraged manufacturers to continue investing in workforce skills development, advanced green technologies and environmentally sustainable production while ensuring strict compliance with Cambodian laws and international standards. She underlined that such efforts would contribute to strengthening Cambodia’s competitiveness, attracting quality investment and ensuring sustainable growth of the country’s export sector. By Chea Vannak