Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, in collaboration with relevant partners, organized the 2nd National Conference on the Labour Economy 2025. The event, themed “Shaping the Future of Work in Cambodia: Skills, Occupations, Employment, and Social Protection for a Resilient Labour Market,” took place on the morning of December 15, 2025, at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel. It was presided over by H.E. Akka Pundit Sopheacha Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance.
On this occasion, H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, highlighted the significance of the forum, noting that it serves as an opportunity to foster cooperation and the exchange of knowledge, aimed at aligning the vision for the labour sector with socio-economic developments. Furthermore, Minister Heng Sour highlighted four primary objectives of this conference: to promote inclusive and sustainable labor market solutions by fostering evidence-based dialogue; to identify policy options and strategies for accelerating skills development in response to emerging economic trends; to determine policy options and strategies for strengthening social security systems; and to bolster multi-stakeholder partnerships to enhance cooperation. Furthermore, His Excellency stated that the Ministry is implementing strategic measures to modernize the labor market. These include reforms to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), focusing TVET on skills relevant to the Fourth Industrial Revolution—such as those for the circular economy (e.g., repair and remanufacturing). Other initiatives encompass migration management, legal reforms, social security, and the formalization of the informal economy—supported by the “Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for a Just Transition” (2024–2028). Additionally, efforts are underway to improve worker transport vehicles and their technical inspections, alongside a firm commitment to eliminating gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace, all with the aim of enhancing productivity and the quality of work. Speaking at the opening of the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth stated that this event plays a crucial role in improving the formulation and alignment of national policies, while enhancing synergy in their implementation within the “dynamic of a unified labor market ecosystem.”
Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister commended the efforts of the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training and all partners who have collaborated to achieve these goals, in line with the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1, which prioritizes “People” as the first key priority.
The Deputy Prime Minister directed that focus be placed on creating synergy and integrating a “foresight” perspective into key national pillars, such as employment and labor, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and labor migration. His Excellency also emphasized that Cambodia must continue its efforts to transform its labor structure—shifting toward a reliance on medium- and high-skilled workers—to strengthen competitiveness and diversify the economy. This is essential for building labor market resilience, particularly in preparation for Cambodia’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2029.
It should be noted that this national conference was attended by approximately 350 participants, including representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, various embassies, the ASEAN Secretariat, national and international organizations, development partners, employers, and workers, as well as professors and researchers.
