Cambodia-Turkey Discuss Strengthening Cooperation on Labor and Skilled Worker Mobility

Cambodian Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, Heng Sour, met with Professor Dr. Vedat ISIKHAN, Minister of Labor and Social Security of the Republic of Turkey, on the afternoon of September 23, 2026, in Shanghai, China. This meeting aimed to discuss priority labor cooperation, explore possibilities for cooperation in the mobility of skilled labor and skill development, and protect the rights and interests of workers. It also sought to identify concrete follow-up activities under the framework of the 4th Cambodia-Turkey Joint Economic Committee (JEC). On this occasion, the Minister highly praised the initiative of the Turkish counterpart in organizing the first meeting for this important discussion. He also recalled the 4th Cambodia-Turkey Joint Economic Committee (JEC) meeting held in Ankara from November 3-4, 2025, which identified labor migration management, skill development and recognition, and social security as areas for cooperation. Concurrently, Mr. Heng Sour welcomed the interest of Professor Dr. Vedat ISIKHAN in establishing cooperation on selecting skilled workers, including the interest of employers in mechanical engineering and mechanic skills. While discussing specific information on labor demand, Mr. Heng Sour highlighted Cambodia's young workforce, extensive training opportunities, and the potential of students who have completed technical and vocational training in the manufacturing, mechanic, and related technical fields. He also emphasized the importance of selecting and sending workers safely, orderly, and legally, ensuring transparency in costs, clear contracts, fair wages, adequate accommodation, occupational safety and health, insurance, resolution of challenges, and arrangements for repatriation. Both sides exchanged views cordially and productively on bilateral cooperation in agricultural product processing, labor, migrant worker mobility, and transparent and safe worker selection mechanisms. They agreed to explore further possibilities for building and strengthening relations for the benefit of both countries. Furthermore, Cambodia and Turkey share many other potential sectors to strengthen and expand cooperation in the future.