Impediments to growth of the garment and food industries in Cambodia: Exploring potential benefits of the ASEAN-People's Republic of China free trade agreement

This paper attempts to identify structural constraints to growth and exports within Cambodia’s key industries and to consider the policy actions needed to reduce obstacles to trade. Special emphasis is placed on exports to China, given the major export opportunities arising from the ASEAN– PRC Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA). A qualitative case study method was applied at the firm level by conducting face-to-face interviews to identify the impediments to the growth and exports of key industries in Cambodia, and to examine the opportunities and challenges presented by the ACFTA. This study covers the garment and food industries, which are critical to economic development. The study also provides policy recommendations at both the industry and government levels.