The contributions of the members of the Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), together with open dialogue and partnership with the Royal Government, have played a crucial role in helping TAFTAC continue to lead the sector forward at a faster pace, while also maintaining the competitiveness and reputation of Cambodian products within today’s global supply chains, explained a TAFTAC official.
He Enjia, shared the comments after he was elected by the TAFTAC General Assembly to serve as president during the body’s January 17 General Assembly.
It was held at the TAFTAC headquarters in the Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone, under the chairmanship of Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training.
Enjia said that the textile, apparel, footwear and travel goods sector is not only a key component of Cambodia’s industrial sector, but also a major pillar of the Cambodian economy.
It contributes significantly to job creation and serves as a bridge connecting Cambodia to global supply chains. He added that leading TAFTAC means helping to balance competitiveness with responsibility, growth with sustainability and the interests of the industry with national priorities.
He noted that for Cambodia’s textile sector to be strong and successful, the active participation of all stakeholders is essential, including cooperation and coordination from the government.
“I ask for your active participation. TAFTAC is strongest when members engage — not only when challenges arise, but also in shaping long-term solutions,” he said.
“With regard To the Royal Government of Cambodia, we look forward to continued partnership and open dialogue. A predictable, transparent, and supportive policy environment remains essential for sustaining investment and employment,” he added.
Enjia previously served as vice-president of the association. He moved from China to Cambodia in 1996, where he established his first garment factory, Sunkind Textile.
Labour minister Sour expressed confidence that TAFTAC would continue to uphold strong solidarity with the government, serving as a driving force in attracting new investors and strengthening the confidence of existing ones.
He said that to achieve further progress, TAFTAC should continue to enhance trust among its members through transparency, accountability, efficiency and professionalism; strictly adhere to its statutes and internal regulations; pay particular attention to consulting its members when submitting proposals; and continue to promote priority actions in a proactive spirit in collaboration with the ILO–Better Factories Cambodia (BFC) project, as well as participate in the campaign “One Enterprise, One Harmonious Community”, in order to strengthen a culture of compliance and harmonious industrial relations.
“The success of this new mandate will bring direct benefits to employers and workers through job creation and income generation, and will also make an important contribution to maintaining macroeconomic stability and diversifying Cambodia’s industrial structure in line with the Royal Government’s long-term vision,” he explained.
According to the labour ministry, over the past 29 years, TAFTAC has played the role of a unified voice representing investors, protecting and promoting their legitimate rights and interests, and creating platforms for consultation and social dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, with the aim of fostering an investment environment conducive to export growth and sustainable development.
