Phnom Penh: On 8 June 2026, a preliminary study by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) revealed changing sustainability and compliance requirements in key export markets that will require concerted efforts to help Cambodia’s “garment, footwear and travel goods industry” remain competitive.
A UNIDO delegation presented the results of a study on sustainable packaging and circular economy development in Cambodia’s garment, footwear and travel goods industry to the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.
The study revealed changing requirements in key markets, particularly the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, where buyers are increasingly demanding supply chain traceability, the use of recyclable materials, resource efficiency and compliance with environmental standards.
Minister Hem Vandy welcomed the results of the study and called for the participation of all relevant parties, including ministries, government institutions, industrial associations, manufacturing plants, purchasing companies, and development partners, to address challenges and seize market opportunities.
He said, “The ministry’s objective is to build an effective alliance. “If stakeholders can agree on the challenges and opportunities that the industry will face in the future, we can put in place concrete measures that strengthen both the industry’s compliance and competitiveness.”
The Minister proposed organizing a special forum between state institutions, industry representatives, buyers, manufacturers, and development partners to review the results of the study, prioritize actions, and prepare a joint roadmap for strengthening the preparedness of the sector, which is Cambodia’s export engine.
He also highlighted the need to help local enterprises understand the changing market needs of the future and the new business opportunities that arise from these changes, especially in sustainable packaging, recycling, and resource efficiency in the industry.
