PHNOM PENH: The Minister of Labor said that the employment rate in Cambodia has increased to 99.3% of the total labor force due to the successful policies of the Cambodian government.

Speaking at a forum of the Royal School of Administration, Minister of Labor Ith Samheng said that the ongoing strength of Cambodia's high employment rate can be attributed to the country’s commitment to attracting modern industry investors resulting in high productivity. He said the advent of modern industry has attracted a more skilled workforce with better working conditions and higher incomes.

In response to the increased demand for employment, the ministry has continued to increase opportunities in the country through the National Employment Agency (NEA) by disseminating labor market information, expanding employment counseling, organizing job forums and training in marketable skills. Ith Samheng highlighted the fact that Cambodians also have the option to seek legal overseas employment opportunities with good working conditions and high incomes.

He added that the Ministry of Labor continues to improve occupational safety and health of workers through legislation and improving the quality of transportation to be safer and in accordance with technical standards. They also encourage employers to support communities by having nurseries near their warehouses.

The Ministry of Labor is doing its part to implement the 2016-2025 National Social Protection Policy to ensure income security and reduce economic and financial vulnerability of its citizens. In particular, the law on Social Security passed in 2019 has been a major step in fulfilling its obligations.