PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen has urged for the adoption of a mindset that considers the types of businesses and occupations that are suitable for persons with disabilities, in response to market needs and in order to help persons with disabilities establish their own businesses.

In a message, dated 29 November 2022, released on the occasion of the 24th Day of Persons with Disabilities in Cambodia and the 40th International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December 2022, the Prime Minister of Cambodia and Honorary Chairman of the Disability Action Council, Prime Minister Hun Sen, called for the establishment of an environment everyone can benefit from, through the promotion of the participation of persons with disabilities in various fields.

"I would like to think about the types of businesses and occupations that are suitable for persons with disabilities, to meet the needs of the market, to ensure the sustainability of business, and to create awareness of entrepreneurship opportunities persons with disabilities to start their own businesses,” said the Prime Minister.

In the present day, persons with disabilities in Cambodia are taken care of by all walks of life. In 2022, there were 3,748 persons with disabilities registered in 37 ministries and institutions, including 862 women with disabilities and 2,260 persons with severe disabilities — an increase of 2.01% compared to 2021.

Separately, the private sector, including banks, microfinance institutions, hotels, and factories, have registered and received certificates on the implementation of the law on the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities throughout the country. There are currently 291 establishments, factories, and enterprises that have employed 5,839 persons with disabilities.

In total 9,587 persons with disabilities are employed in both the public and private sector nationwide.