Cambodia Hosts National Job and Productivity Fair, Focusing on Skills and Jobs for Sustainable Economic Growth

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – September 12, 2026 – The 16th National Job and Productivity Fair officially opened today at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center, under the theme 'Skills and Jobs: Productivity for Sustainable Economic Growth.' The event, a significant annual gathering, was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea, representing Prime Minister Hun Manet. More than 1,100 participants attended, including representatives from the Senate, National Assembly, various ministries, provincial administrations, the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, the association of tycoons, art associations, employers, employees, and national and international development partners. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, highlighted that the National Job and Productivity Fair, often referred to as a 'Career Park,' has been organized annually since 2011. Its primary aim is to intervene in the labor market, strengthen relationships, and enhance information exchange between the government, development partners, factory owners, TVET institutions, and job seekers, particularly youth. The fair also focuses on fostering an understanding and mindset for increasing labor productivity. According to the Minister, by 2025, the program had attracted a total of 480,000 visitors, featured 1,385 exhibiting companies, offered 240,000 job opportunities, and facilitated immediate employment for over 10,000 individuals on the day of the fair, with many more finding jobs subsequently. He elaborated on the government's 'Pentagon Strategy' Phase 1, detailing the Ministry of Labour's proactive efforts to strengthen the job-seeking service mechanism and labor market platforms. This involves modernizing data management systems, expanding the collection of job opportunity information, and promoting the use of digital technology platforms to quickly match labor supply with market demand. Over the past three years of the 7th mandate government, the ministry organized 796 job forums with 200,000 participants, 2,026 mobile job fairs with 260,000 participants, and 25 national and provincial job fairs with 190,000 participants, helping approximately 390,000 citizens secure formal employment. Additionally, around 297,000 youth from poor and vulnerable families have benefited from TVET programs since 2024. Furthermore, in collaboration with ministries and stakeholders, the ministry has assisted over 650,000 former migrant workers in finding new employment. Recently, the ministry launched the 'Magic Mirror Program,' a digital consultation service that includes online forums and direct counseling sessions. In summary, the labour sector has seen remarkable progress over the last three years. The number of enterprises, companies, and factories has increased to 47,758, the number of formal employees has reached 2.3 million, and the number of health insurance members under the Social Security Fund (B.O.S.S.) has grown to 3.88 million. Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea commended the Ministry of Labour and its partners for organizing this crucial forum, emphasizing its role as a strategic mechanism connecting job seekers, employers, and training institutions. He particularly praised the ministry's proactive interventions for former migrant workers and its commitment to labor market studies for present and future preparedness, guided by the Prime Minister's vision. The National Job and Productivity Fair 2026, running from September 12-13, 2026, features 150 major companies offering over 35,000 immediate job vacancies for on-site application and interviews. By: Bunrith, Source: Ministry of Labour