The seventh Cambodia International Machinery Industry Fair and Cambodia International Textile and Garment Industry Expo has emerged as a platform showcasing standardized advanced technology which would attract new buyers while the products would be of high quality, so orders would be increased.

Judy Wang, president of event organiser Yorkers Trade and Marketing Service, said there were 175 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, including Bulgaria, Cambodia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

She added that there were about 200 booths to showcase a wide range of innovative products and versatile solutions for industry. The expo is of opportune timing and a crucial platform to promote and encourage industrial development in Cambodia.

Sat Samy, secretary of state of the Ministry of Industry, said the event was to promote industrial developments and foreign investments, especially to elevate imports and exports and create chances for industrialists to upgrade old equipment, seek cooperation, and discover new business opportunities.

He added this year the event was being organized over four days, covering all the elements of key industrial sectors such as plastics, packaging, printing, food processing, agriculture, auto parts and accessories, machine tools, energy and electricity engineering, lighting, and textiles and garments. The country needs to diversify its economic growth, and develop higher value added products.

Mr Tek Heng, operating manager of Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC) said that the need high value added products increases the need of high technology and investment in machinery. The technology will help save electricity and increase quality. New technology was needed for GMAC to upgrade their facility such as machinery to increase productivity and save electricity.

He added that about 600 factory owners came to check on how they updated their production with new technology. The 600 factories focus on garment, textile, shoes, travel bags and clothes. The expo will be bringing the technology which their company’s members need. Every year, new machinery is seen in the market so there is a need to update production to increase output.

To upgrade technology and machinery, GMAC also has the Cambodia Garment Training Centre Institute (CGTI) which was officially launched last week, a day after a visit by Prime Minister Hun Sen to garment and textile factories.

Mr Tek Heng said the centre, which is open to the public, is aimed at workers in the garment and textile industries and is a place where they can gain more intensive skills for the development of productivity in the sector.

The four-day fair and expo will end today at Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Centre.