Phnom Penh: Mr. Heng Sour, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, was invited to preside over the 140th anniversary of International Labor Day under the theme “Together to Promote Decent Work in a Digital Context for the Informal Economy” on the morning of May 11, 2026 at the Cambodiana Hotel. He offered the option for those working in the informal economy to register to work in formal factories and enterprises to the maximum extent, which currently require more than 90,000 laborers.
Speaking at a ceremony attended by more than 250 street vendors, informal economy workers, civil society, unions, development partners, and relevant ministries and institutions, the Minister said that the celebration of the day for internal and external workers is a reminder and reminder to individuals, relevant ministries and institutions, policymakers, development partners, and civil society organizations to be aware of basic rights in the field of work and occupation, as well as the necessary conditions to ensure that citizens or workers receive a fair share of benefits in society. In addition, the forum is also a way to strengthen social dialogue between the Royal Government, associations, unions and civil society to exchange ideas and promote policies to address key challenges facing workers in the informal economy.
On this occasion, the Minister recalled the noble words of Samdech Maha Bavorathi Hun Sen Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, at the recent celebration of the 140th anniversary of International Workers’ Day, clearly emphasized that the Royal Government does not only want citizens to have jobs, but rather jobs that can improve their skills, enhance their abilities, and jobs that are more productive, with higher salaries, better living conditions, and a strong social protection system for workers and employees both inside and outside the system.
The Royal Government has successfully implemented the Social Security System (SSS) in the areas of occupational risks, healthcare, and pensions, which has become a “strong social safety net” to help protect workers. While the SSS is actively implementing it with a high sense of responsibility to strengthen and expand its scope, achieving remarkable results, he also highlighted that the common goal now is to help those in the informal economy who have previously struggled to return to the system to be able to receive the benefits provided by the Royal Government. For workers in the informal economy in small enterprises and handicrafts who have not yet been registered with the ministry, the Minister encouraged them to register through the digital portal that the Ministry of Industry, Technology and Innovation has been facilitating. If you want to work in factories and enterprises or want to learn technical skills, please contact the ministry’s hotline at 1297.
In addition, those who are tricycle drivers who want to have an additional job can contact the Industrial Technical Institute of the Ministry of Labor to work on installing washing machines and maintaining air conditioners in order to earn additional income. Students who drop out of school can also enroll in 1.5 million TVET programs for free and receive subsidies.
The Minister strongly hopes that IDEA members, informal workers, and relevant parties will continue to make more active contributions to the growth of the national economy and calls for continued cooperation. In a spirit of high understanding with the Royal Government in carrying out its work, participating in promoting principles and policies.
Mr. Von Pov, President of IDEA Association, and Mr. Tan Visal, representative of Oxfam, praised the Royal Government’s national policies and strategies for supporting the informal economy and highlighted From their important role as the “backbone of the economy” and from challenges such as occupational safety and health risks.
