Giant 'Kroma' marks Cambodia's first ever World Fair Trade Day

CAMBODIA FAIR TRADE FORUM

Cambodia celebrated its first ever World Fair Trade Day earlier today, marking the occasion with the presentation of a giant 27metre-long 'Kroma' (Cambodian scarf), created from 1-metre-square pieces of fabric contributed by over 40 handicraft, fashion and food enterprises around Cambodia.

The event, which took place at the National Cultural Center in Phnom Penh between 8am and 12 midday, coincided with celebrations in over 70 countries around the world, each one aimed at highlighting the difference that 'Fair Trade', an alternative way of trading between developed and developing countries, is making to the welfare of producers in countries like Cambodia.

Participants enjoy Fair Trade-themed games

The event, organised by the Cambodia Fair Trade Forum, was one of the most creative public gatherings of the year, with special Fair Trade-themed dance and drama performances from Sovanna Phum Art Association and a special guest appearance from the “Ray Charles of Cambodia”, Master Kong Nai, who also sang about the issues of Fair Trade in a song which he himself composed.

Over 300 participants came to the National Cultural Centre, including artisans from handicraft, food and fashion groups around Cambodia. As well as enjoying the performances from Sovanna Phum and speeches from the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Commerce, His Excellency Panso Rasak and the European Union Charge D'Affair, Mr Winston McColgan, participants were also able to join in Fair Trade-themed games and parade the giant Kroma around the National Cultural Center and out onto the surrounding streets.

Producers from across Cambodia present the 27m long 'Kroma'

“Fair Trade has definitely arrived here in Cambodia,” says Men Sinoeun, Director of the Artisans' Association of Cambodia (AAC), an NGO supporting producer groups across Cambodia that are working with disadvantaged people. “This remarkable day has shown the rest of the world that not only can Cambodia produce beautiful, high-quality products, but we can also use the trade of these products to alleviate poverty in our nation and bring hope to those on the margins of society.”

Through the speeches given during the morning, including three short speeches from producers working for Fair Trade organisations in Cambodia, the first World Fair Trade Day in Cambodia highlighted both the successes of Fair Trade in Cambodia to date as well as addressing the need for further implementation of Fair Trade principles amongst businesses, social enterprises and NGOs working in Cambodia.

Master Kong Nai the "Ray Charles of Cambodia", sang about the issues of Fair Trade in a song which he himself composed

The aim of World Fair Trade Day, which has been celebrated around the world over the past six years, is to raise awareness of the aims of Fair Trade and of the possibility of greater justice in the world through trading fairly. Fair Trade is a way of reducing poverty through the buying and selling of products that have been made in a dignified environment, where often-disadvantaged workers are provided with good working conditions and fair wages and where profit is not maximized at their expense.

The event was organised by the Cambodia Fair Trade Forum, a collection of local and international organisations working together to promote the principles and practices of Fair Trade in Cambodia. These organizations include the Artisans' Association of Cambodia (AAC), Traidcraft Exchange Cambodia, Village Focus International (VFI), Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), Rehab Craft Cambodia, AFESIP Fair Fashion and Baskets of Cambodia.