Statement 27th December, 2017

STATEMENT 

Phnom  Penh  27th  December, 2017:  Garment Manufacturer Association in Cambodia  (GMAC) expressed the  appreciation  and  thanks  to  Walmart,  the  US  multinational,  over  their  commitment  and  continuous supports  Cambodia’s  garment and  footwear industry  as  well as  travel goods.

According  to  the  Walmart’s  letter  sent  to  Cambodia’s  Minister  of  Labor  and  Vocational  Training  Ith Samheng  dated  6th  December  stated  that  after  the  recent  visit  of  Walmart  delegation  on  7th  November  to have  the  direct  meeting  with some  government’s  official, and visiting  some  other footwear factory  as well as  its  associates who works  in Phnom Penh, Walmart  said  that Cambodia  is  the  key  market for Walmart.

“We  are  Cambodia’s  leading  exporter  of  footwear,  and  second  leading  exporter  of  apparel.  Next  year,  we hope  to  begin  to  export  travel  products,”  the  letter  read.  “We  are  happy  to  share  our  experience  working with  other  sourcing  markets  and  to  help  Cambodian  manufacturers  increase  competitiveness,  productivity and efficiency.”

“Our  growth  in  Cambodia  depends  on  a  strong  business  environment.  Stability,  predictability,  and  rule  of law  form  a  cornerstone  of  our  business  engagement  around  the  world  and  allow  us  to  make  long–term commitments  and  investment  in a  market,”  the  letter added.

“So,  Walmart’s  support  means  contribution  to  the  business  and  investment  continuity  of  Cambodia  to support  our  economy.  Furthermore,  we  would  also  stand  to  benefit  greatly  from  Walmart’s  expertise  that includes  innovation  & technology  as well as  how  the  global apparel & footwear operate,”  said GMAC.

According  to  the  letter,  Walmart  respects  a  high  standard  and  pay  attention  to  the  social  and  labor  conditions in the countries  from  which the company  source  products.

“Labour  compliance  is  one  of  the  points  for  consideration  in  the  buyers’  balance  score  card.  Walmart’s continued  engagement  with  us  means  we  have  been  performing  well,  or  precisely  speaking  performing  at  an internationally  accepted standard,”  said GMAC.

“As  the  world is  moving  toward sustainable  development goal, compliance  is  gaining  more  weight in the score card.”  it  added. The  score  card comprises  1) price  2) quality  3) delivery  and 4) labour and social compliance.