ILO unveils project to expand job services in Cambodia

17 Jan '14

3 min read

A new project to expand job services and improve labour market information was launched in Cambodia today. The project is executed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) with funding from the People’s Republic of China.

The ILO/China South-South Cooperation Project to Expand Employment Services and Enhance Labour Market Information in Cambodia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) is the first ILO project supported by the People’ Republic of China in Cambodia that focuses specifically on improving job services. The project aims to improve labour market efficiency and participation, reduce unemployment, and enhance the flow of information between job-seekers and employers.

In Cambodia the three year project will enhance the quality of job services and make the existing job centres (in Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap, Kampot and Svay Rieng) more client-oriented. It will improve job matching and placement through better collection, analysis and dissemination of labour market data, and encourage the development of relevant work programmes for specific groups such as women, migrant workers and people with disabilities. Similar initiatives are planned in Lao PDR as well.

Guests at the launch included H.E. Mr Pich Sophoan, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and Vice Chairman of the National Training Board; Madame Lu Xiaoping, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People’s Republic of China; and Mr Maurizio Bussi, Officer-in-Charge of the ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR.

H.E. Dr Pich Sophoan said “enhancing productivity is key to economic growth and poverty reduction. The South-South Cooperation Project will help Cambodia to achieve and sustain economic growth and translate that growth in the creation of more and better jobs.”

Madame Lu Xiaoping said, “China supports and promotes this South-South cooperation initiative and finds it to be a powerful means to combat poverty by enabling the country to invest in their own economic and social development. The Ministry would like to thank the Cambodian partners and the ILO for their commitment. It is certain that this project is a platform for mutual collaboration and paves the way more fruitful endeavours. The Ministry is confident that through our joint efforts this project will be a success.”

Mr Maurizio Bussi said “the increasing need to provide services to a rapidly expanding and flexible labour market means employment agencies are now more relevant than ever. In recognition of this growing pattern, the ILO is continuing to provide support and guidance to its member States in strengthening their public employment services.”

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and the National Employment Agency will be the lead agencies implementing the project. They will undertake activities to support job creation, provide employment services to job-seekers and ensure regular dissemination of labour market information.

International Labour Organization

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