Phnom Penh, November 22, 2024– In a strategic meeting aimed at enhancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Cambodia, Mr. Heng Sour, the Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, welcomed a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the French Agency for Development (AFD).

The discussions took place at the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, bringing together key figures including Mr. Anthony Robert Gill, Country Director of ADB, and Mr. Emmanuel Dollfus, Acting Country Director of AFD. The meeting centered on collaborative efforts to strengthen the TVET sector, which is crucial for developing a skilled workforce in Cambodia.

Minister Heng Sour expressed appreciation to ADB and AFD for their ongoing support and partnership in developing the TVET landscape. He underscored the role of this sector in fostering human capital and ensuring that Cambodia can achieve its goal of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030, and a high-income country by 2050.

“The enhancement of our TVET programs is vital for equipping our workforce with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to the economy,” Minister Heng stated. He highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration with international development partners to improve the quality and outcomes of TVET initiatives.

In response, Mr. Gill and Mr. Dollfus shared insights into the current initiatives being implemented under their partnership, noting the positive progress made in the TVET domain. They reaffirmed their commitment to providing continuous support and expertise to bolster the development of vocational training in Cambodia.

This meeting marks a significant step forward in the commitment of both the Cambodian government and its international partners to address the skills gap and prepare the workforce for future challenges, thereby promoting sustainable economic growth in the region.