PhnomPenh (VNA) - The outbreak of COVID-19 isnot likely to cause further closure of garment factories, said CambodianMinistry of Labour and Vocational Training on March 18.

Ministry spokesman Heng Sour said the spread of the epidemic is not causing theshutdown of garment factories as initially feared, adding that exports toEurope and the US will be affected if the outbreak continues.

According to him, 50 factories across the nation had previously suspendedoperations due to the shortage of raw materials, but 17 of them are now back inaction after China recently resumed the supply of raw materials.

Secretary General of the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC) KaingMonika said the shortage of raw materials in the sector will likely end soon asChina recovers from the virus.

Last week, 13 ships arrived at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) carryingover 900 containers with materials for the garment and footwear industries.

The Central Bank of Cambodia reported that the country’s exports hit 14.63billion USD last year, up 12.7 percent year-on-year while imports rose by 18.6percent to 22.34 billion USD.

As of March 18 night, the Cambodian Health Ministry confirmed a total of 37COVID-19 infection cases nationwide./.