Exports of garments to Japan rise 98.1pc

Friday, 21 August 2009 15:01 Chun Sophal

Garment exports to Japan almost doubled in the first half of this year compared with the first six months of 2008, providing a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy year for the key sector, Ministry of Commerce figures show.

In the six months to the end of June, the country bought $9.62 million worth of garments, up 98.13 percent from the $4.73 million it sourced from Cambodia in the first half of 2008, according to the official numbers.

Exports of textiles climbed 39 percent to almost $450,000, while shoe exports edged down 10 percent from $8.76 million to $7.87 million.Officials said the uptick came as Japan reduced its dependence on garments sourced from China.

"We hope that as it reduces its purchases from China further, Japan will eye up more purchases of garment products from Cambodia," Garment Manufacturers Association of Cambodia External Relations Manager Kaing Monika said. Click to original source...