Cambodia Takes Bold Step to Embrace Informal Economy with New Digital Registration Platform

• 18 December 2024
• Local News
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In a groundbreaking move to bolster the informal economy, the Royal Government of Cambodia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, has officially launched a digital platform aimed at registering informal economy businesses. Announced on December 16, 2024, this initiative sets forth two primary goals: to enhance awareness of the informal economy’s potential and to support the broader national and family economy.

The informal economy, which has long operated outside the reach of formal regulations, will now have a clearer pathway to recognition and support. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for the government to understand and acknowledge the capacities of informal businesses, many of whom face challenges adhering to current laws and are largely unrecognized by institutional frameworks.

The new platform is vital for identifying informal economy businesses and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. With the recent approval of the “Sub-Decree on the Registration of Informal Economy Businesses,” these individuals can now obtain a “Certificate of Registration of Informal Economy Businesses” in a user-friendly digital format. This certificate legitimises their work and opens doors to various forms of support from ministries and institutions.

One of the significant challenges this initiative addresses is that many micro-sized informal economy Businesses, which often operate without a fixed location, have previously struggled to apply for permits from local administrations. The new registration mechanism is designed to be inclusive, enabling easy and free access for all informal workers to register their occupations without bureaucratic hurdles.

This innovative approach promises to empower informal economy Businesses, providing them with a solid foundation for growth and support, particularly during challenging times. With the government’s commitment to this new digital platform, the informal economy in Cambodia is poised for a brighter future—one where every worker is recognized, valued, and equipped to contribute to the nation’s development.

As the country embraces this change, it fosters a more inclusive economic environment, paving the way for sustainable growth that benefits every Cambodian citizen.

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