A textile and garment exhibition was held in Cambodia from August 21 to 24. The event exhibited a wide range of products and services. Among them were: advanced sewing machines, automatic embroidering tools, an automatic sock maker, cutting and laying machines, weaving machinery and accessories. It was a platform for participants to build new contacts and networks.

One manufacturer exhibited a sewing machine that is able to create thinner, less visible seams than other sewing machine models. The event is expected to bring more investors to Cambodia by connecting industrial companies and clients and so speeding up Cambodia’s industrialisation. Some companies came to the convention not to showcase technology but to make deals with local producers to deliver highly skilled pieces like embroidery. Convention goers paid greater attention to linking up with Thai producers.

Cambodian manufacturers prefer highly skilled embroidery work to be done in Thailand since Cambodian employees lack the skills to do it themselves. Low salaries in the garment sector in Cambodia are creating a disincentive for local workers to improve their skills.

A major obstacle to selling machines in Cambodia is the country’s lack of skilled technicians. This makes it tough for clients to maintain the purchased equipment.