Cambodia, Switzerland to equip workforce for digital and green economy

PHNOM PENH, March 31, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and Switzerland are strengthening cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to prepare the workforce for the digital and green economy, officials said Monday.

Labour Minister Heng Sour met Reto Grüninger, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in Cambodia on Mar. 30, to review progress and discuss ways to improve governance and coordination of the TVET system.

Sour thanked Switzerland for its support, saying the partnership has advanced skills development for migrant workers and the broader labour force. He stressed the need to align training with labour market demands, citing priorities such as Industry 4.0, digital transformation and the shift to clean energy.

The ministry is rolling out Recognition of Prior Learning assessments in eight construction trades from April, aimed at certifying returning workers from Thailand. Officials also highlighted Cambodia’s push for renewable energy and electric vehicles, noting recent tax exemptions on EV imports.

Grüninger welcomed the progress and reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s skills agenda, particularly for young people seeking access to quality training. Both sides expressed confidence the partnership will enhance human capital and help Cambodia remain competitive in a more digital and sustainable economy.