Illustrative image (Photo: Internet)Cambodia’s exports of garments and footwear are forecasted to drop by 50-60 percent in the second quarter due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spokesperson of the CambodianMinistry of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Soursaid the exports in the first quarter decreased by 80 percent year-on-year, when the COVID-19 broke out in the EU and the US, the two largest markets of Cambodia’s garment products, in February.
In the latter half of April, about ten moregarmentfactories in Cambodia had to halt operation, affecting more than 6,000 workers. During the time they had to suspend working, the workers were paid 70 USD each month, in which 40 USD was from the Government and 30 USD from their employer.
According to Heng Sour, so far 130 garment factoriesin Cambodia have suspended operations due to asharp declineinpurchase orders caused by theCOVID-19outbreak,affecting 100,000 workers.
According to data from the Cambodian Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, the Southeast Asian country is home to 1,099 factories operating in textiles, footwear and handbag industries./.