New reports to outline ways to improve investment climate in Cambodia

ILO News (PHNOM PENH) –Two reports that lay out the challenges and opportunities for sustainable business development in Cambodia will be launched on Wednesday 12 March 2014 in Phnom Penh.

H.E. Ith Sam Heng, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, Mr Van Souieng, President of the Cambodian Federation of Employers and Business Associations (CAMFEBA), and Mr Maurizio Bussi, Officer-in-Charge of the ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR, will take part in the launch, which will also be attended by business leaders, policy makers and representatives of development partners.

The reports are the product of an ongoing partnership between the ILO and CAMFEBA. They utilize established ILO methodologies used in a number of countries. The reports provide insights into the current situation in Cambodia and provide evidence-based and practical recommendations on how to improve the business-enabling environment.

The ILO report, “The Enabling Environment for Sustainable Enterprises (EESE) in Cambodia” analyses Cambodia’s performance in 17 areas necessary for sustainable enterprise development and productive, decent employment. It includes the results of a national survey of workers and employers (as well as analysis of existing secondary data) that focused on some key areas; these included social dialogue, education and training, legal and regulatory reform, governance, trade, and integration.

The second report, “Pathways to Prosperity: Policy priorities to create an enabling environment for sustainable enterprise development & creation in Cambodia” was compiled by the Cambodian Federation of Employers and Business Associations (CAMFEBA). It builds on the EESE report and focuses on policy recommendations in four key areas; workplace relations, skills, governance, and the legal and regulatory environment.

The launch ceremony will begin at 9.00 at the Sofitel Hotel, Phnom Penh. The press conference will be held at 12.00. The authors of the reports will be present and English/Khmer translation will be provided. Copies of the reports will be available at the event and via the ILO and CAMFEBA websites.

For more information please contact:

Gary Rynhart

Senior Specialist for Employers’ Activities

ILO Bangkok

Engkakada Danh,

General Manager of CAMFEBA,

Tel: 012 573 574,