US ambassador W Patrick Murphy met with Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour to discuss the work on October 26 in Phnom Penh. LABOUR MINISTRY
The US has agreed to continued support for Cambodia’s social security and vocational training sectors.
US ambassador W Patrick Murphy met with Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour to discuss the work on October 26 in Phnom Penh.
Sour took to social media to explain that the primary vision of the ministry under the seventh-mandate government is to improve the labour sector and working conditions by developing relationships that will allow employers and workers to manage their mutual best interests, under Cambodian labour law.
“During our discussions, we agreed to continue cooperation and strengthen our partnerships in the labour, social security and vocational training sectors, in order to improve the Kingdom’s working environment and drive productivity. This will prop up development and sustain national economic growth,” he said.
He thanked the US for the ongoing assistance it provided through its various agencies.
Sour explained that the new government has laid out several priority programmes, including providing free vocational training to 1.5 million poor and vulnerable youth, as well as allowances that would support them during their studies. The programme will equip them with valuable skills that meet the demands of the current job market in a short period of time.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the continued support of the US in the three sectors aligns with the government’s policies, particularly the prioritising of free vocational training for underprivileged youth.
He said the ongoing aid demonstrates that Cambodia and the US can still cooperate closely in many areas.
“This support is useful for Cambodia, politically and diplomatically, in terms of social security and vocational training. The support provides benefits and jobs to local communities and migrant workers, with the support of the US,” he added.
Peou noted that even though some problems had put the US and Cambodia at odds regarding their interpretation of some human rights, political and democratic issues, they still maintained normal relations and were in agreement on various points.
