Cambodia Affirms Stronger Cooperation with Japan in Labor and TVET Sectors

Phnom Penh – Mr. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, on the afternoon of July 14, 2026, received Mr. Ueno Atsushi, the outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Cambodia, for a farewell meeting at the Ministry. Minister Heng Sour expressed his warm welcome and deep gratitude, highly valuing the numerous achievements realized during the Ambassador's tenure. He noted that these contributions have been instrumental in strengthening the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of labour, social security, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The Minister highlighted the significant role of the Japanese Embassy as a trusted bridge connecting the Ministry with the Japanese government, authorities, development agencies, employers, business associations, and other relevant institutions. He emphasized that the Ambassador's commitment to people-centered development has transformed the comprehensive strategic partnership into tangible benefits for students, trainees, and vulnerable communities in Cambodia. These individuals not only gain income from working in Japan but also have opportunities to enhance their knowledge for human resource development. Mr. Heng Sour pointed to key support from the Japanese government, including creating employment opportunities for Cambodian workers, developing the social security system, modernizing the TVET system, and providing assistance to former workers affected by the Cambodia-Thailand border crisis. He also acknowledged the provision of training equipment for electricity and engineering to several institutes. Furthermore, he recognized the collaboration with Japanese companies such as Toyota (Cambodia), the Japan-Cambodia Association, and the Japan Business Association in Cambodia (JBAC) for providing training, equipment, internships, and job opportunities to Cambodian youth. In response, Mr. Ueno Atsushi expressed his profound gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, and Minister Heng Sour personally for their full support and cooperation in all related endeavors during his mission in Cambodia since January 2023, which has yielded commendable achievements. Mr. Ueno also recalled the elevation of the relationship between the two countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, noting that cooperation under this framework is making significant progress across various sectors. While thanking the Minister for his attention and support to Japan and the Japanese community in Cambodia, Mr. Ueno requested that Minister Heng Sour continue to provide cooperation and support to the new Japanese Ambassador. This, he stated, is aimed at maintaining and further strengthening the excellent relations between the two countries. Concurrently, the Minister reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to further enhancing close cooperation with the new Japanese Ambassador, focusing on mutual benefits. He also wished Mr. Ueno good health, happiness, and success in his future duties. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local