Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 27 - A spokesman of the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, Heng Sour, told Fresh News on Wednesday that Walmart, one of the largest footwear and clothing exporters from Cambodia, will continue to purchase Cambodian products and increase the investment.

This claim was made after meeting between Scott Price, Executive Vice President of Walmart, and Ith Sam Heng, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, on November 7, 2017.

Walmart has confirmed to continue ordering products from Cambodia, a country that has a clear mechanism to ensure working conditions for its workers.

Cambodia is the largest recipient of the ILO Convention in Asia and has partnered with the ILO to define a predictable, precise minimum wage mechanism for its workers.

Heng Sour also confirmed that Walmart's letter is a positive note because it proves that Cambodia is in good diplomatic relations with the United States, and the ministry is cooperating with the United States Trade Union Organization (ACILS) to host the visit of President of Solidarity Center from Washington in mid-January 2018.

The ministry is also ready to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation with ACILS in the US.

Walmart's letter encourages factories as well as workers to be hopeful for their future work.

Therefore, any attempts to negatively interpret the letter is an act of indictment and a lack of accountability for Cambodian garment workers.

Heng Sour added that Cambodia's trading partners had a clear policy of linking trade to working conditions, supported by the government, and faithfully implemented the trade policy until the ILO and the United States modeled it to persuade other countries to accept the principles.
=FRESH NEWS