Strengthening Support for Informal Economy Workers in Cambodia

• 10 June 2025
• Property Focus
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On 26 May 2025, a significant partnership was established between the Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and the Japan International Labor Fund (JILAF) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Tokyo, Japan. This collaboration aims to bolster the livelihoods of workers in Cambodia’s informal economy through enhanced vocational training and support initiatives.

The agreement focuses on promoting decent work standards and improving living conditions for informal workers, including those in unregistered micro, small, and medium enterprises, domestic workers, tuk-tuk drivers, street vendors, small-scale farmers, and others lacking formal employment contracts or basic social security benefits.

At the signing ceremony, HE Heng Sour emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating that JILAF has been actively collaborating with the Cambodian Ministry since 2019 to implement grassroots action support projects. The ultimate goal of this partnership is to ensure that no worker is left behind, promoting inclusion and support for those navigating the challenges of the informal economy.

The Memorandum of Understanding is also a commitment from JILAF, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, and the International Labour Organisation Office in Japan to further enhance cooperation with Cambodia’s labour authorities. This initiative is set to organise workshops on financial management and reinforce the social protection system, aiming to uplift the economic standing and well-being of vulnerable workers across the nation.

With this partnership, Cambodia is taking a notable step towards fostering a more equitable labour environment and ensuring that all workers, regardless of their employment status, receive the support they need to thrive.

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