Factory workers’ role in economic growth lauded

Factory workers’ role in economic growth lauded

Kandal Governor Kuoch Chamroeun said that factory workers have played a key role in the country’s economic growth by creating jobs, raising incomes, and boosting the national economy.

Chamroeun made these remarks on Sunday during a ceremony marking the 139th anniversary of International Labour Day, organised by the Kandal Provincial Administration under the theme ‘Together for Decent Work and Sustainable and Resilient Growth’. Nou Sakhon, the Chairman of the Kandal Provincial Council, along with many factory workers, attended the event.

In his speech, Chamroeun emphasised that the Royal Government of Cambodia, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, has worked to end war, alongside maintaining stability, security, and public order.

“At the same time, the Royal Government also made progress across all sectors, including attracting more investors and businesses into the Kingdom. In the past, there were only a few factories; now, we have many. More and more jobs are being created, salaries are higher, and workers now have more opportunities to choose jobs that match their skills and interests,” he said.

“Workers have made a real contribution to the country’s economic growth. When there are more jobs, incomes rise — and that, in turn, boosts national economic development.”

Governor Chamroeun also highlighted that under the country’s leadership, the well-being of workers has been prioritised through the implementation of social protection policies, ensuring a wide range of benefits that are accessible to all workers.

Thul Neang, Director of the Kandal Provincial Department of Labour and Vocational Training, also spoke at the event, noting that Kandal province currently hosts 1,981 factories, enterprises, and institutions, employing a total of 202,790 workers.

He highlighted that among these, 264 establishments operate in the garment, footwear, and travel goods sectors, employing 166,604 workers. These sectors collectively generate an estimated annual income of approximately $449.83 million.

Takeo Provincial Administration also celebrated the 139th anniversary of International Labour Day by organizing an event presided by Governor Vei Samnang on Sunday with the participation of approximately 500 garment workers.

Samnang said that Takeo province is making significant strides in creating job opportunities for its residents, with more factories and enterprises being established closer to people’s homes.

“Peace is the most essential foundation for economic development and job creation. Without peace, there would be no factories or enterprises,” he stated. “National stability and security have given investors the confidence to establish more and more factories in Takeo province.”

On that occasion, Samnang also reaffirmed his commitment to the workers, expressing his determination to attract additional investors to set up factories and enterprises in the province, particularly near residential areas.

His main objective, he said, is to generate employment close to home, reduce the need for migration, and improve the overall living standards of the population.

Sun Mesa, a spokesman for the Ministry of Labour told Khmer Times earlier this month that from January to March, total exports of clothing, footwear, travel goods, and bags also amounted to about $3.5 billion, marking a 20.1 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

He highlighted strong export growth across key markets. “Exports to the United States increased by 25.7 percent while exports to Europe increased by 20.8 percent. Exports to Japan, the UK and Asean region also saw an increase of 19.9 percent, 5.6 percent and 24 percent respectively.”

Prime Minister Hun Manet said last month that during the first quarter of 2025 the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) registered a total of 172 investment projects, with a combined capital of $2.5 billion, which are expected to create 120,000 jobs.

He noted that as of March 2025, the number of factories and enterprises registered with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training had scaled to 45,255 up from 44,798 in 2024.

During the same period, the number of workers and employees also increased, from 1.81 million to 1.85 million, the Prime Minister pointed out.

“If the working environment for factory workers is good, the government will try to attract more investors to Cambodia. However, if there are many protests, investors will not come to invest in Cambodia,” said Mr Hun Manet.

“Thanks to Cambodia’s unity and peace,” the Premier said, adding, “We hope that in 2025, the country will welcome many new investors.”

khmertimeskh