Cambodia Sees Surge in Enterprise Registrations as Skills Agenda Expands

PHNOM PENH, June 16, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia registered 650 new enterprises in the first five months of 2026, creating nearly 80,000 jobs and underscoring rising demand for skilled workers as the government accelerates vocational training and employment initiatives.

Labour Minister Heng Sour announced the figures at the 9th National TVET Day, held under the theme “TVET Provides Skills, Jobs and Income.” He said the growth reflects confidence in Cambodia’s economy and its ability to generate employment despite regional and global challenges.

Cambodia now counts about 47,000 registered enterprises employing 2.3 million workers, as the economy shifts from agriculture toward industry and services. This transformation has expanded opportunities for higher‑skilled and better‑paying jobs, making technical and vocational education a critical pillar of human capital development.

The government’s flagship vocational training programme, launched in 2023, aims to provide free education to 1.5 million youth from poor households. More than 271,000 learners have already enrolled, receiving tuition‑free training and monthly stipends. Nearly 700,000 people have benefited from training over the past five years.

Sour said TVET is vital to narrowing skills gaps, boosting productivity and preparing workers for emerging industries. The sector has modernised with new institutions, laboratories and digital learning programmes.

Partnerships with business associations and hundreds of companies provide internships and jobs, while collaborations with global firms in automotive, manufacturing and technology enhance training quality.

The mobile training units and flexible schedules are expanding access in rural areas, ensuring young people can acquire marketable skills and improve their livelihoods.