Illustrative image (Photo: Phnom Penh Post ) Phnom Penh (VNA) - The outbreak of COVID-19 is not likely to cause further closure of garment factories, said Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training on March 18.
Ministry spokesman Heng Sour said the spread of the epidemic is not causing the shutdown of garment factories as initially feared, adding that exports to Europe and the US will be affected if the outbreak continues.
According to him, 50 factories across the nation had previously suspended operations due to the shortage of raw materials, but 17 of them are now back in action after China recently resumed the supply of raw materials.
Secretary General of the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC) Kaing Monika said the shortage of raw materials in the sector will likely end soon as China recovers from the virus.
Last week, 13 ships arrived at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) carrying over 900 containers with materials for the garment and footwear industries.
The Central Bank of Cambodia reported that the country’s exports hit 14.63 billion USD last year, up 12.7 percent year-on-year while imports rose by 18.6 percent to 22.34 billion USD.
As of March 18 night, the Cambodian Health Ministry confirmed a total of 37 COVID-19 infection cases nationwide./.
Ministry spokesman Heng Sour said the spread of the epidemic is not causing the shutdown of garment factories as initially feared, adding that exports to Europe and the US will be affected if the outbreak continues.
According to him, 50 factories across the nation had previously suspended operations due to the shortage of raw materials, but 17 of them are now back in action after China recently resumed the supply of raw materials.
Secretary General of the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC) Kaing Monika said the shortage of raw materials in the sector will likely end soon as China recovers from the virus.
Last week, 13 ships arrived at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) carrying over 900 containers with materials for the garment and footwear industries.
The Central Bank of Cambodia reported that the country’s exports hit 14.63 billion USD last year, up 12.7 percent year-on-year while imports rose by 18.6 percent to 22.34 billion USD.
As of March 18 night, the Cambodian Health Ministry confirmed a total of 37 COVID-19 infection cases nationwide./.
VNA
