Cambodia Expands TVET Cooperation with Finland and France to Boost Workforce Development

Cambodia is strengthening and expanding cooperation on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs with Finland and France, aiming to develop human resources that respond to the demands of the labor market. Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, H.E. Heng Sour, held separate bilateral discussions with H.E. Anders Adlercreutz, Minister of Education of the Republic of Finland, and H.E. Ms. Sabrina Roubache, Minister Delegate for Vocational Education, Training, and Employment of the French Republic. These meetings took place during his participation in the "WorldSkills Shanghai 2026" event and the "WorldSkills Conference 2026" held from September 22-24, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. During the meeting with H.E. Anders Adlercreutz on September 23, 2026, discussions focused on cooperation in promoting TVET programs. Both ministers agreed that this significant collaboration should commence at the partnership level between training institutions and private enterprises of both countries, before progressing to full government-to-government cooperation in the future. Separately, in the meeting with H.E. Ms. Sabrina Roubache on the same day, H.E. Heng Sour highly valued the long-standing friendship between Cambodia and France, which has significantly contributed to the development of TVET programs, skills, and human resources in Cambodia, particularly through the French Development Agency (AFD). He noted that the meeting at this important event was timely and appropriate, as both countries are striving to prepare their youth and workforce to meet the rapidly changing demands of skills and the labor market. H.E. Heng Sour affirmed Cambodia's readiness to continue strengthening and expanding close cooperation with France for further development of resilient human resources, such as in the agriculture and food sectors. In response, H.E. Ms. Sabrina Roubache congratulated Cambodia on hosting the 20th Francophonie Summit, scheduled for November 2026. She expressed hope that both parties would sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during this summit to strengthen their partnership in TVET programs, vocational training, and skills exchange, particularly in sectors like construction, agriculture, and food. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local