Prime Minister Hun Manet meets with workers from informal industries on April 27. AKP
“The government is ambitious about creating and expanding decent working conditions, while promoting sustainable and resilient long-term growth for the collective benefit of citizens, especially workers and employees, ‘under the cool shade of peace’,” said Prime Minister Hun Manet in a letter released to mark this year’s May 1 International Labour Day.
“This ambition builds on the goal of attracting investment to develop the economy, establish enterprises and create jobs for citizens,” he added.
This year’s Labour Day celebrations are themed “Together for Decent Work and Sustainable, Resilient Growth”.
Manet reiterated that his government is focused on continuing to improve working conditions, labour rights, freedom of unions, the social security system and improved labour dispute mechanisms, all of which will further enhance professional relations.
The letter explained that the government has set a long-term vision to build Cambodia into a civilised nation, meeting five key attributes: a vibrant national society, high-income economy with strong and resilient economic growth, highly knowledgeable Cambodian citizens with at least one lifelong skill, Cambodians living with dignity, happiness and equitable social protection with equal rights and opportunities, and a Cambodia with a harmonious physical and natural environment, resilience, inclusivity and balance between development and natural resource conservation.
He noted that peace, political stability and macroeconomic stability have enabled Cambodia to achieve remarkable socio-economic development and increased investment, as well as improved trade unions which protect workers’ interests and improve labour dispute resolutions.
Factory workers commute to work in Kampong Chhnang province earlier in April. Niem Chheng
In the first quarter of 2025, 172 investment projects were registered with the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), with a total investment of $2.5 billion. They are tipped to create almost 120,000 jobs.
During the same period, the number of registered enterprises increased from 44,798 to 45,255. The number of employees rose from 1,816,046 to 1,846,837, an increase of 30,791 individuals.
“At the same time, the government has continued to strive to promote the freedom of trade unions in line with the Labour Law, Trade Union Law, Social Security Law, Minimum Wage Law and international labour standards,” he said.
In the first quarter, 89 new workers’ organisations were registered with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, bringing the total to 6,600, including 42 trade union federations, 281 trade union confederations and 6,265 grassroots unions. Additionally, there are 12 employer associations.
“The Royal Government will continue to promote more proactive and extensive action plans related to enhancing the capacity and responsibility of professional organisation leaders toward their members, as well as raising awareness about working conditions, labour rights, and various benefits for stakeholders.
“This will enable each party to fulfil their roles as representatives of their members more effectively and professionally, based on the foundation of law and applicable legal standards,” said Manet.
