Phnom Penh, April 10, 2024: Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia has issued a renewed appeal to citizens and concerned parties to give serious consideration to the country's demographic trends. Speaking at the conclusion of the Ministry of Planning's annual meeting held this morning, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of preparing for future population challenges.

Hun Manet projected that until 2050, Cambodia is unlikely to encounter significant demographic obstacles. However, post-2050 could present challenges if current trends persist. “Currently, we are in a favorable position with a large potential labor force of middle-aged individuals. Yet, a continuous decline in birth rates combined with an increasing aging population may lead to a labor shortage,” he stressed.

According to the Prime Minister, projections indicate that by 2050, approximately 15.5 percent of the Cambodian population will be under 15 years old, 67.5 percent will fall within the 15-64 age bracket, and around 17.1 percent will be over 65 years of age.

To address potential future challenges, Hun Manet highlighted the need for a strategic focus on enhancing the skills of the younger generation. “Maximizing the demographic dividend requires us to invest in our youth, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate and contribute to our nation’s future,” he stated.

This emphasis on youth skills development and the call for families with stable incomes to consider having more children form part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring Cambodia remains resilient in the face of shifting demographic patterns.