AKP Phnom Penh, September 01, 2026 --

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) of Cambodia and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have jointly organised the "National Workshop on Decent Work in the Platform Economy in Cambodia" on the afternoon of Aug. 31 at Hotel Cambodiana in Phnom Penh.

The event was co-chaired by H.E. Ms. Sovann Vannaroth, Permanent Secretary of State at the MLVT, and Ms. Xiaoyan Qian, Director of ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia, and Lao PDR.

The workshop aimed to enhance understanding of the opportunities and challenges within Cambodia's platform economy, examine working conditions and social security coverage for platform workers, and gain insight into recent international labour standards, existing legal frameworks, and policies in Cambodia, as well as experiences from regional countries, to serve as input for setting future priorities and policy discussions.

H.E. Ms. Sovann Vannaroth highlighted that this topic is crucial and responds to the rapid evolution of the digital economy and the world of work. While the expansion of digital platforms creates new opportunities, it also brings challenges that require balanced study, assessment, and responses. This discussion also offers an opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences and identify challenges related to new forms of employment.

She emphasised that embracing innovation and promoting decent work are not mutually exclusive goals; rather, a balance must be maintained between economic development, competitiveness, and ensuring adequate protection for workers. Identifying policy choices must be grounded in Cambodia’s socio-economic context, labour market structure, business characteristics, and implementation capacity, alongside stakeholder consultations aligned with the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1 and the Strategic Plan for Labour, Social Security, and Vocational Training Development 2024-2028.

For her part, Ms. Xiaoyan Qian highly appreciated the participation of all stakeholders and Cambodia's commitment to promoting decent work in the platform economy. She also reaffirmed the ILO's continued cooperation and technical support.

The workshop is expected to provide valuable input for prioritising goals and exploring policy choices to ensure Cambodia’s response to current and emerging future employment forms is balanced, inclusive, and sustainable.

By Phal Sophanith