Cambodia Launches Nationwide Infrastructure Project to Support Returning Workers and Create Jobs

Minister of Rural Development, H.E. Chhay Rithisen, led a dissemination and guidance session on the implementation of the government's comprehensive intervention program. This initiative is designed to support the livelihoods of citizens facing multiple crises, particularly returning migrant workers from Thailand. During the meeting held on September 21, 2026, H.E. Minister Chhay Rithisen emphasized that the 7th legislature government, under the astute leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Mahabaworapidety Hun Manet, has launched a comprehensive intervention program aimed at restoring the livelihoods of rural populations and especially impoverished families severely impacted by crises. This program is intended to address the challenges faced by returning migrant workers. The Ministry of Rural Development will participate in implementing this intervention program through the construction, repair, and maintenance of approximately 4,000 kilometers of rural infrastructure, utilizing local labor for about 70% of the work. The project is slated for a total duration of approximately 18 months and is expected to provide temporary employment for around 100,000 citizens in 15 target provinces, including: Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Battambang, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Tboung Khmum, Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Takeo, Kandal, Pursat, Kampong Cham, and Kampong Speu. Finally, H.E. the Minister provided recommendations to the project management unit and provincial rural development departments in the target provinces to contribute to promoting and enhancing the mechanisms for the effective, efficient, and sustainable implementation of the aforementioned project, in line with its objectives and expectations. Source: CEN Cambodia