ABSTRACT
Traditional apparel markets, such as the US, the EU and Japan, have rendered clothing exporters from developing countries, including ASEAN and Bangladesh, more preferential market access, which has in turn impaired the competitiveness of Hong Kong and mainland manufacturers. Apparel supply chain management service providers play an increasingly important role in the apparel industry in assisting apparel brand owners and retailers lower the production costs and improve the efficiency of the apparel supply chain. Apparel brand owners and retailers have found it increasingly difficult to differentiate their products from their competitors due to rapid technology development in the apparel industry, which made it easier to imitate and copy designs. Cambodia is export-dependent and during the economic downturn of 2008 and 2009, Cambodia's apparel manufacturing industry was affected as global demand for apparels dropped significantly. As a result of this, approximately 63,000 jobs were lost as around 50 factories were closed.
