Major progress achieved by ILO/China Partnership Programme on Skills Development in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (ILO News) – The ILO-China Partnership Project on Strengthening Skills Development has made significant strides in transforming technical and vocational education in Cambodia, benefiting over 78,000 people and facilitating employment for hundreds of young individuals.

An annual review of the ILO/China Partnership Project on Strengthening Skills Development in Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Myanmar through South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) was held in Phnom Penh on 8 May 2025.

Organised by the Directorate General of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DGTVET) with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the 4th Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting noted several key achievements in 2024. These include:

• 78,000 beneficiaries, including women and youth.
• Over 1,000 job seekers successfully entered employment.
• 12 experts and trainers participating in capacity-building training programmes in China.
• Expansion of five Cambodian technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions into the South-South skills development network, providing access to training in emerging sectors such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, mechatronics, and digital design.

Tian Feng, ILO/China Partnership Project Manager, commented: “This project has demonstrated its pivotal role in strengthening skills, fostering innovation, and creating inclusive job opportunities. Its focus on South-South and Triangular Cooperation continues to transform the TVET ecosystem and the employment landscape in Cambodia and the wider region.”

Launched in 2020, the five-year initiative aims to better align skills development with labour market demand while enhancing job readiness among Cambodia's workforce. Notable activities supported by the project last year include national job fairs, tourism sector training, and forums on industrial relations. The project also played a key role in organizing major national events such as the 7th TVET Day and the 9th National Skills Competition.

Thorng Samon, Deputy Director General of TVET, remarked: “At the 13th ASEAN Plus Three Labor Ministers’ Meeting in October 2024, Cambodia’s Minister of Labor and Vocational Training H.E. Heng Sour commended the project for its vital role in strengthening skills development, improving labour market systems, and fostering greater collaboration between the public and private sectors in Cambodia.”

During the PAC meeting, stakeholders, including government officials, representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations, and development partners, also agreed on the project’s strategic work plan for 2025.

Proposed activities include organizing workshops on green and digital skills, expanding access to training programmes, strengthening Sector Skills Councils, participating in ASEAN Year of Skills events, and deepening partnerships with Chinese TVET institutions.

“Promoting decent work for all is crucial to achieving inclusive and sustainable development,” said Tian. “With strong momentum and shared commitment, the ILO-China Partnership Project is poised to continue its impactful journey throughout this year”.

© ILO

© ILO