Meanwhile, the EU signs a new deal with Vietnam, without too much concern for human rights.

EU Trade Commissioner says that human & labour rights situation in Myanmar & Cambodia is going backwards
By RFA - July 8, 2019

On Sunday, the European Union and Vietnam signed a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) that will eventually phase out almost all tariffs on goods that flow between the trading bloc and the Southeast Asian nation, after it the deal is ratified by lawmakers on both sides. In a statement, European Union Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström and Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh, who both inked the agreement, hailed it as “the most ambitious free trade deal between the EU and an emerging economy to date.” Despite the signing of the FTA, Europe remains concerned about Vietnam’s dismal human rights record.

The deal comes as the EU is monitoring Vietnam’s neighbor, Cambodia, to determine whether that country’s exports should continue to enjoy tax-free entry into the European market under the Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme. Europe has been keeping a watchful eye on the authoritarian state’s crackdown on the political opposition, civil society, and the press. The bloc has also expressed deep concern about grave human rights violations in Myanmar.
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/vietna ... 35236.html

It still has to clear the European Parliament.

Long article:
Cambodia garment exports at risk as EU wraps up tariff review
Suppliers to H&M and Levi's among those affected if duty-free access to Europe revoked
SHAUN TURTON, Contributing writer
August 16, 2019 17:51 JST

PHNOM PENH -- Business groups in Cambodia are warning that tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars worth of exports may be at risk as the European Union comes a step closer to deciding whether it will end preferential trade arrangement for the Southeast Asian country.

The EU on Monday concluded its six-month monitoring period of Cambodia, a step in its review of the country's eligibility for duty-free access to the European market under the Everything But Arms scheme.

EU officials now have three months to draft conclusions on whether the trade preferences should be withdrawn due to "severe deficiencies" in Cambodia's human rights record and a democratic backslide.

Duty-free access to the EU market is hugely important for Cambodia's apparel and footwear sector, which generated more than $8 billion last year -- more than two-thirds of the country's total exports, according to government figures.

Almost 40% of Cambodia's exports last year went to the EU, equal to $4.5 billion at today's exchange rates. Of these, about 75% was textiles and about 13% was footwear or hats. The U.S. was the next largest importer of Cambodian goods, accepting more than 20% of the country's exports.

The government has begun factoring in the loss of the EBA into its economic projections. Last week it released a revised projection for next year predicting GDP growth would slow from 7.1% to 6.5%, in part due to the EBA withdrawal. Growth in the garment and footwear sector -- which employs at least 750,000 workers -- would drop from 7.1% to 3.5% next year, according to the new government projections. Other important sectors, such as construction, tourism and agriculture, are predicted to remain stable or enjoy modest growth.
Full read: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Busine ... iff-review

It's all ok because the guy with glasses said so. Dont worry.

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I guess EBA will not withdrawing. The guy with glasses maybe agree the Royal pardon for K Sokha during Pchum Benh, and set back human right in word. EU doesn’t want withdrawing EBA seriously. They don’t want pay bill for hundred thousands destroyed jobs and lost European market. If Cambodia lose European market I’m sure China will help for Cambodia. Cambodia quietly will be a satellite state of China, and finally who will pay? Khmer people! Present day Cambodia is an important country! Thank you for strong Chinese influence and president Trump. Just remember who helped for a poor country after Bay of Pig invasion? My enemy’s enemy is my friend!! It is my private opinion!

UK to sustain preferential trade scheme for Cambodia after Brexit
The UK government will continue a preferential trade scheme for Cambodia even after Brexit, according to Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for Asia and the Pacific Heather Wheeler.
VNA Wednesday, September 18, 2019 09:17

Phnom Penh (VNA) – The UK government will continue a preferential trade scheme for Cambodia even after Brexit, according to Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for Asia and the Pacific Heather Wheeler.

Fresh News reported the British diplomat made that statement during a meeting with Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn in Phnom Penh on September 17.

Under-Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Cambodia Meas Kimheng also quoted Wheeler as saying the UK will continue to offer preferential trade scheme to Cambodia and other 48 less developed countries even after its withdrawal from the European Union in the near future.

The UK minister travelled to Cambodia on September 17 as part of her 4-day trip to Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand./.
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/uk-to-sustain ... 160599.vnp

More:
Cambodian Foreign Minister Receives UK Senior Official
AKP Phnom Penh, September 18, 2019 --

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn met here yesterday afternoon with H.E. Ms. Heather Wheeler MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Asia and the Pacific) at Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Ms. Heather Wheeler noted the use of social media among the Cambodians in a free manner without censorship, the economic progress, and the good relations and cooperation between both nations.

In the future, she added, even though UK leaves the EU, it will continue providing trade preferences for Cambodia and other least developed countries and seek Cambodia’s support to the UK as an ASEAN dialogue partner.

For his part, H.E. Prak Sokhon emphasised the importance of H.E. Ms. Heather Wheeler's visit to Cambodia, underlining that it will further promote and enhance the friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and the UK.

The Cambodian DPM expressed his appreciation for the excellent cooperation between the two countries in various fields, especially the economic and social ones as the two-way trade rose to more than US$1 billion last year.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn also accepted the UK’s request for Cambodia’s support for its bid to be an ASEAN dialogue partner once it left the EU.

By Khan Sophirom
https://www.akp.gov.kh/post/detail/17208

How the EU’s pending EBA decision affects garment workers in Cambodia
Simone Preuss
Friday, 01 November 2019

Since the European Commission announced on 11th February of this year that Cambodia could possibly lose its trade status "Everything but Arms" (EBA), some 800,000 seamstresses in Cambodia have been living in fear of losing their livelihood. In a short documentary film, non-profit think-tank Mekong Future Initiative (MFI) provides an insight into the daily life and work of a seamstress, as well as the fears about a future that is being decided upon by the European Parliament.

Like many other developing countries, Cambodia is currently allowed to import duty-free goods into the EU via the EBA scheme to promote economic development. This status can be suspended if countries violate EU standards in fundamental areas, such as in Cambodia's case the political course taken by Prime Minister HE, which is becoming increasingly tough and is setting the country on the road to becoming a one-party state, but also the widespread corruption.

The impact of losing EBA status would mainly affect ordinary people, those working in the textile and garment sector. The absence of customs duties and import quotas has made importing textiles, garments, shoes and bicycles from the Southeast Asian country particularly attractive for European countries - the EU's share of Cambodia’s annual export volume of 8.5 billion US dollars (around 6.57 billion British pounds) of textiles and shoes currently accounts for 46 percent and is thus the most important market for Cambodia.

Since a seamstress not only provides for up to four family members with her salary, but also contributes to the livelihood of bus drivers, grocers, teachers and other service providers in her neighbourhood, far more than the 800,000 garment and textile workers would be affected, namely millions of people as the film illustrates.
https://fashionunited.uk/news/business/ ... 9110146013

CEOCambodiaNews wrote:

Great video, deserves more buzz, thanks for sharing


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