Phnom Penh: Mr. Heng Sour, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, was invited as an honorary speaker at the Cambodia Investment Forum 2026 under the theme “Beyond Investment: Strengthening Resilience through Proactive Care and Strategic Partnerships” held under the high chairmanship of Mr. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) at the Shangri-La Hotel on the morning of May 7, 2026, with the participation of approximately 500 leaders and representatives of ministries and government institutions, chambers of commerce and business associations, companies and the private sector.
In a discussion on streamlining business registration procedures and employment cards, which focused on implementing the Labor Law and related regulations, the Minister highlighted that in order to ensure the efficiency and transparency of service provision related to the use of foreign labor, the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training has been implementing an automated foreign labor data management system since 2016. This system provides convenience to enterprises, companies, and factories that use foreign workers, especially service requests are made through the “online system”, which makes it easier for them and contributes to the management of the use of foreign labor in Cambodia.
Meanwhile, to grant permission for companies to use foreign labor, the ministry has clear procedures In order to ensure flexible application (quota) to be made in advance from September to November. The Minister emphasized that based on the request of the company owner, the Ministry will allow the use of foreign labor not exceeding 10% of the total number of Cambodian workers and explained in detail the procedure in case the demand for foreign labor exceeds 10%. He also reminded company owners to be “cautious” when hiring foreign workers, especially those who are not legal, as they may be involved in “forced labor or human trafficking.”
On that occasion, he showed that the online system is truly transparent, as even officials cannot refuse to accept applications. Which is stored in the system. In case of wanting to complain or file a complaint, he also announced the Hotline system 1286/1297, personal contact number and via QR code anonymously because the complainant’s identity is not revealed. He also urged companies to contact the ministry or TVET schools when they need to enhance skills or learn new skills for their employees through the 1.5 million TVET program, especially for informal economy workers, as the government is highly committed to improving skills and productivity.
Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol said The organization of this important forum has received the approval and high guidance of His Excellency President Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Chairman of the Cambodia Investment Commission, to inform investors about the latest investment reforms and adjustments. At a time when the global situation is uncertain, the forum will also serve as a mechanism to share experiences, challenges, provide recommendations and build business networks and expand investment projects.
He also highlighted the government’s commitment to combating online crimes by implementing the law on anti- Recent technological frauds are evidence of the most proactive measures taken to continuously crack down on criminals to ensure the elimination of online fraud activities, aiming to create a safe, secure, and trustworthy investment and tourism environment. He also mentioned the creation of jobs for citizens through the Ministry of Labor, which is organizing job interviews in border provinces for former workers. He also called on investors to continue to give confidence and help spread the word about Cambodia’s commitment to solving challenges to show the world that Cambodia is 100% safe for investment and tourism.
