Cambodia's garment exports are now worth $2.1 billion, up from $653 million in 1999. USAID/Cambodia mission director Erin Soto said the efforts of factories, workers, and private sector investment had helped develop Cambodia's economy beyond the expectations of foreign investors.

The US/Cambodia bilateral textile agreement combined with the Cambodian government's efforts to improve labor standards and respect labor rights, had also helped the industry to flourish, she said.