Background
On 11-12 February 2026, H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, led the Cambodian tripartite delegation to the annual OECD forum focused on promoting compliance oversight in the garment and footwear manufacturing sector, held at the OECD headquarters in Paris, France. This forum gathers government representatives from OECD member and non-member countries as well as brand owners, trade unions, international employer associations, civil society organizations, and research institutions.
Scope of Application
The forum addresses challenges and new developments related to compliance and responsible purchasing practices within the garment, footwear, travel goods, and bag production sectors. It serves as a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on labor conditions and regulatory oversight in global supply chains linked to Cambodia’s export industries.
Key Provisions or Decisions
At the forum, Minister Heng Sour presented Cambodia’s experiences and effective measures to sustain the garment and footwear sector amid economic shocks, emphasizing government efforts to maintain sectoral resilience, protect worker incomes, and enhance labor conditions. He reaffirmed the Royal Government of Cambodia’s commitment to advancing labor standards as integrated with international trade obligations and corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles, fostering Cambodia’s role as a responsible supplier of textile, footwear, travel goods, and bag products.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The minister’s participation and the shared insights underline Cambodia’s alignment with global compliance practices and CSR standards in the garment and footwear industries. This supports continued confidence for international investors and buyers regarding labor governance in Cambodia’s key export sectors. It also signals ongoing government efforts to improve working conditions and sustainable business practices in these industries, critical for maintaining market access and sector competitiveness.
Official Source
Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), Official Facebook Post, 12 February 2026: https://www.facebook.com/mlvt.gov.kh/posts/pfbid0DvgNweVemYWNybNwsP1ecERJgktNRzM5sSEs1gSfmBE9qUWE5gFEsVXMrWT5K54ql
