Cambodia Hosts National Job and Productivity Fair to Boost Economic Growth

Cambodia hosted the National Job and Productivity Fair on September 12-13, 2026, at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center in Phnom Penh. The two-day event, themed 'Skills and Jobs: Productivity for Sustainable Economic Growth,' was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea, representing Prime Minister Hun Manet. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour, along with ministry and institutional leaders, national and international distinguished guests, employers, private sector representatives, development partners, educational and training institutions, and a large number of young people, students, and job seekers. Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea expressed his admiration and high appreciation for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training for organizing this significant forum. The event was held in collaboration with relevant ministries and institutions, including the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, development partners such as the World Bank, and various private sector entities. Its purpose is to facilitate opportunities for employers, recruitment agencies, and educational and training institutions to engage directly with job seekers, youth, and students, enabling them to inquire about and receive information on job opportunities and training, as well as career and vocational guidance. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that the forum will contribute to increasing understanding of productivity enhancement and strengthening the network of involved parties through both physical and online participation. He also commended the officials of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training for their proactive and dedicated performance under the guidance of the former Prime Minister and the leadership of the current Prime Minister, emphasizing the spirit of 'Khmer helps Khmer find jobs' through the emergency job-finding system via phone number 1297 and local employment platforms, which have facilitated over 796 job placements. For 2026, the labor market is expected to remain resilient, maintaining stability and positive growth in job numbers, with employed individuals projected to increase to 300,000, equivalent to a 3% growth rate compared to 2025. Beyond the garment, textile, footwear, and travel goods and bags sectors, the non-garment manufacturing sector, characterized by high productivity and added value, is anticipated to absorb the most labor in 2026. Minister Heng Sour stated that the National Job and Productivity Fair has been organized annually by the Royal Government since 2011. Its objectives include intervening in the labor market, strengthening relationships, and enhancing labor market information exchange between the government, development partners, employers, factory owners, enterprises, technical and vocational training institutions, higher education institutions, and job seekers, especially youth. It also aims to raise awareness about productivity enhancement, in addition to the regular counseling and guidance provided by the National Employment Agency of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training. Since 2011, this program has attracted over 480,000 visitors across 15 editions. Participating companies totaled 1,385, with 1,864 booths. It has generated 230,000 job seeker profiles, offered 240,000 job opportunities, and resulted in over 10,000 immediate job placements. The 2026 National Job and Productivity Fair serves as a crucial platform connecting job seekers, students, and youth with employers and enterprises, while also disseminating information on job opportunities, vocational skills, and productivity enhancement in Cambodia.