Phnom Penh (VNA) - The Cambodian government has approved a request of the GarmentManufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC) and encouraged garment factories toproduce all kinds of face masks, medical equipment, and protective clothing forboth domestic consumption and export.
As masks,medical equipment, and protective clothing are being sought after by the worldto help curb the COVID-19, the government supports and encourages factories toproduce the aforementioned items, according to the Ministry of Economy andFinance’s letter sent to GMAC president.
Spokespersonof the Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour earlier said the export of garments and footwear is forecast to drop by 50-60 percent in thesecond quarter of this year due to the impact of the pandemic.
The Q1 exportsnosedived by 80 percent year-on-year when the COVID-19 broke out in the EU andUS – the two largest markets of Cambodian garment products – in February, hesaid.
Over 180apparel factories have now suspended operation, and another 60 are thought tobe close to suspension, affecting lives of about 200,000 workers.
According to theCambodian Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, theSoutheast Asian country is home to 1,099 factories operating in textiles,footwear and handbag industries./.
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