Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Ith Samheng requested that employers and relevant parties increase attention to the development of human resources, the labour market and social protections, in order to contribute to the sustainable development of the country.
The request came as he presided over the opening ceremony of “Human Resources Forum 2023”, held by EUROCham Cambodia and the Cambodian Federation of Employers and Business Associations (CAMFEBA), in Phnom Penh on February 3.
“Human resources are the primary capital every enterprise needs to achieve productive and sustainable business operations. Building human resource talent is the key to any successful business,” he said.
He added that the government had determined human resource development as the main priority factor in all stages of its rectangular strategy.
“Human resource development has become the top priority in the Rectangular Strategy Phases III and IV. We need to improve professional knowledge, skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, morality, patriotic conscience and a sense of social responsibility. This includes promoting the role of women and enhancing social protections,” he continued.
He encouraged all employers to improve working conditions, ideally through public-private partnership mechanisms.
He said the government is preparing a specific national development strategy to develop human capital.
“This will support the socio-economic development of the country in the short, medium and long term,” he added.
“The government has introduced plans to encourage people to have decent jobs andimproved living standards, as this will improve the dignity of the people. We want the people of Cambodia to acquire knowledge, productivity and competitiveness, and ensure that every citizen has at least one skill for life,” he continued.
Samheng said the prime minister is pleased to see the progress of vocational training in Cambodia, but had noted that although a lot of manpower was available, there remains a gap between their skills and the needs of the market.
“In response to this gap, the labour ministry is actively involved in providing technical and vocational education and training, and the implementation of labour-oriented policies. These policies are fundamental to producing a skilled workforce,” he added.
Prime Minister Hun Sen has set the goal of providing access to vocational training opportunities to 1.5 million people from impoverished families. They will receive financial support while they are studying, as he recognizes the importance of developing a skilled workforce.
