Cambodia-U.S garment deal

Cambodia-U.S garment deal

PHNOM PENH (Reuters): Cambodia and the United States have reached agreement on levels of Cambodian garment exports to the United States and on the need for Cambodia to ensure proper working conditions in factories, officials said on Thursday.

Leaders of the two delegations hailed the deal shortly after it was signed late on Wednesday.

"I think we have an agreement that is fair, an agreement that will be a cornerstone for future trade relations," said Donald Johnson chief textile negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative.

Under the three-year agreement the United States has imposed quotas on 12 categories of garments including blouses and shirts and cotton sweaters.

The only quota-free garment categories are now dresses, pajamas, women's suits and synthetic-fiber apparel, the officials said.