India and Cambodia unite to tackle textile sector challenges

Cambodia highlighted its intention to enhance its competitiveness by integrating into regional and global supply chains, expanding production capacities, entering new markets, and attracting investments in emerging industries.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) of Cambodia, recently organised a buyer-seller meeting in Phnom Penh to address tariff-related concerns, strengthen trade relations, and explore new opportunities in the textile sector. The event, titled the CII-Government of Tamil Nadu Textile Buyer-Seller Meet & Product Showcase, aimed to facilitate commercial engagement between Indian and Cambodian textile stakeholders.

The event was presided over by Ok Boung, Secretary of State, MoC, Cambodia, and Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Indian Ambassador to Cambodia. It brought together key representatives from the yarn and fabric sectors to explore avenues for trade collaboration and investment.

Cambodia highlighted its intention to enhance its competitiveness by integrating into regional and global supply chains, expanding production capacities, entering new markets, and attracting investments in emerging industries. The emphasis was placed on turning current trade and economic challenges into strategic growth opportunities.

Tamil Nadu, India’s leading textile hub and the largest exporter of ready-made garments in the country, showcased its potential for fibre-to-fabric production and collaboration. Its strong network of textile clusters and comprehensive value chain was presented as a foundation for mutually beneficial partnerships with Cambodian businesses.

Notable attendees included R Lalitha, Director of Textiles, Government of Tamil Nadu; Nandha Gopal, Investment Facilitator from Guidance Tamil Nadu; Albert Tab, Executive Committee Member of TAFTAC; and Richhpal Singh, Counsellor (Political & Commerce) at the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh.

Amid global economic uncertainties and climate-related challenges, the event served as a platform for Indian sellers to connect with Cambodian buyers and explore joint ventures in textile manufacturing. The initiative is expected to enhance bilateral trade and contribute to the long-term development of the textile sectors in both countries.