Bedding product exports from Cambodia to the international market in the first four months of the year totalled $24.21 million, up 190.11 per cent over $8.34 million in the same period last year, Ministry of Commerce data show.

The ministry includes mattresses, pillows, sheets, blankets and sleeping bags in its data.

Ministry spokesman Pen Sovicheat told The Post on Monday that exports of bedroom products to the international market have increased steadily.

“With the Ministry of Commerce’s policy of promoting and improving the quality of domestic products, these products are now being exported to major countries like the United States, Japan, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and France.

“These goods are ordered and produced in accordance with the technical standards required by the target market and according to the requirements of the buyers.

“Our products are quality products for competitive markets. We want to elevate the reputation of ‘Made in Cambodia’ products to be internationally recognised and supported.

“There are currently five of these manufacturing plants in Cambodia and four of them are in Special Economic Zones [SEZs].

“Consistently lower labour costs in the country are a competitive advantage, which I hope will attract more people to invest in Cambodia,” he said.

Cambodia Chamber of Commerce vice-president Lim Heng said the Kingdom’s improving political and commercial relations with many countries around the world could soon lead to free trade agreements, which will create more opportunities to entice investors.

“As far as I know, there are a lot of foreign companies that intend to or are preparing to invest in many sectors in Cambodia,” said Heng.

As the Sino-US trade dispute adds to existing headwinds for companies, he said, Cambodia hopes to draw additional investment.