YKK Canada: A global giant ready to invest in Cambodia, a strategic opportunity for the textile industry

YKK Canada Inc., recognized worldwide for manufacturing high-quality textile accessories, notably zippers,] [manifestes a strong interest in establishing a production unit in Cambodia.

This stance follows a decisive meeting held on October 31, 2025, in Montreal, between Mr. Hugues Charbonneau, president of YKK Canada, and a Cambodian delegation led by His Excellency Sun Chanthol, vice-president of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).

This high-level dialogue aimed to explore the feasibility of a direct YKK establishment in Cambodia, with the goal of strengthening the national supply chain for the textile and garment industries, key drivers of the Cambodian economy. His Excellency Sun Chanthol emphasized the rapid growth dynamic observed in these sectors, notably in the production of clothing, footwear, and travel goods, where the demand for quality accessories such as zippers is constantly expanding.

The favorable legal framework in Cambodia, combined with privileged access to several major export markets, represents a rare strategic opportunity. The Investment Law offers significant incentives to manufacturers of accessories and raw materials, particularly through industrial feedback mechanisms, thus encouraging the direct establishment of companies like YKK. Mr. Chanthol pointed out that this approach would not only meet domestic demand but also strengthen Cambodia’s competitiveness in the global garment market.

For his part, Mr. Charbonneau praised the impressive pace of Cambodia’s economic development and expressed marked interest in deepening a feasibility study concerning the establishment of an accessory manufacturing plant within the kingdom. This expansion would be a major step for both YKK, which would extend its production capacities into an emerging market, and Cambodia, which would see its industrial fabric reinforced and create numerous local jobs.

According to customs data, trade between Cambodia and Canada has seen sustained growth of 14.4% between January and September 2025, with a turnover approaching one billion US dollars. This flourishing commercial dynamic further underscores the strategic interest in Canadian direct investments in high value-added sectors such as zipper production.

Beyond the economic aspect, this potential collaboration embodies the concretization of the Cambodian government’s efforts to attract quality foreign investments, diversify its economy, and consolidate its position in the global textile value chains.

The interest expressed by YKK Canada for an industrial establishment in Cambodia illustrates the convergence of ambitions between a renowned international company and national economic development objectives. It thus opens the way to strengthened cooperation, promising in terms of technology transfer, job creation, and sustainable development for Cambodia’s industrial fabric.