PHNOM PENH - The Cambodian government appears resigned to the loss of European Union (EU) special trade preferences, a move which could massively impact on the country's apparel industry and cost about 90,000 garment workers their jobs.
Cambodia benefits from the 'Everything But Arms' (EBA) trade programme, which allows developing nations to export most goods to the EU free of duties, but an 18-month review which began in February could lead to the EBA being suspended over the country's human rights record.
The suspension of trade privileges is looking increasingly likely with Prime Minister Hun Sen making preparations for the deal’s suspension rather than putting his efforts into improving human rights.
