BATTAMBANG, With an influx of returning Cambodian migrant workers and young people entering the workforce, it is timelier than ever to ensure that they have access to decent employment opportunities and social security benefits for a seamless integration into the economy.
The National Employment Agency of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, organized a provincial employment forum in Battambang, Cambodia on 25 July 2025 to share information on recruitments, training opportunities, internships, volunteer programmes, and scholarships currently on offer across various sectors, ranging from tourism, food-processing, and automotive.
According to the General Population Census of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Battambang province ranks as the fifth most populous province, with a total population of 997,169—accounting for 6.4% of the population. The province also demonstrates a robust labour force participation rate, with 76% of individuals aged 15 and above actively engaged in the workforce. Because of its demographic advantages, Battambang province has a strong economy supported by 49,748 businesses, employing approximately 121,845 individuals. Its economic strength stems mainly from various industries such as services, agricultural processing and manufacturing, according to the Socio-Economic Census of Cambodia 2022. Additionally, Battambang stands out not only for its numerous enterprises and diverse workforce potential but also for its important role in aiding the government with job placement and the effective reintegration of returning migrants into the local labour market.
The forum served as a unique platform for over 1,000 attendees, including migrant returnees, youth and young persons with disabilities to interact with renowned national and international companies, institutions, and training providers on employment prospects and capacity building initiatives that are available in the market. “This Employment Forum in Battambang province represents a timely and strategic initiative aimed at addressing current labour market needs, with a particular focus on youth, jobseekers, persons with disabilities, returning migrant workers, and other vulnerable groups. The National Employment Agency (NEA) of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training highly values the collaboration and support of all stakeholders, particularly the International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), whose contributions have been instrumental in the successful organization of this important employment event,” stated Ms. Hang Sereyvorlak, Deputy Director General of the National Employment Agency.
“We are honoured by the continuous partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training to effectively match young jobseekers, vulnerable groups, including women and persons with disabilities as well as returning migrants in Battambang to the fast-evolving labour market demands. Despite comprising two-thirds of the population, young people under the age of 30 still struggle with limited access to high-paying jobs. Our collective efforts to advance decent work and social protection for all can address these pressing issues and contribute to Cambodia’s national priorities outlined in the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I and National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) 2024–2028,” said Ms. Xiaoyan Qian, ILO Director of ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic. In addition to the job fair, the event featured pre-employment training sessions covering tips on job search such as how to successfully prepare CVs, cover letters, and perform well in job interviews, as well as disseminate information on youth rights and responsibilities at work.
The provincial employment forum was organized by the National Employment Agency (NEA) of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, with the support from the ILO, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People’s Republic of China (MOHRSS).
