Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 28 – Garment Manufacturer Association in Cambodia (GMAC) issued a statement on Wednesday expressing the appreciation and thanks to Walmart, the US multinational, over their commitment and continuous supports Cambodia’s garment and footwear industry as well as travel goods.

According to the Walmart’s letter addressed to Cambodia’s Minister of Labor and Vocational Training Ith Samheng dated Dec. 6, 2017, Cambodia is the key market for Walmart.

Walmart delegation on Nov. 7 paid a courtesy visit to some government’s official, and visited other footwear factory as well as its associates based in Phnom Penh.

Heng Sour, a spokesman of the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, 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.

As a gratitude, GMAC released a statement on Wednesday addressed to Walmart.

Read full statement below:
=FRESH NEWS