Cambodia Minister of Labour and Vocational Training H.E. Ith Samheng has called on more initiatives to improve working conditions for workers in small and medium enterprises and informal economy in ASEAN and ASEAN partner countries.

The minister made the call when addressing the opening of a two-day Workshop and Documentation of Best Practices on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Informal Economy among ASEAN member States, held in Siem Reap provincial city on Oct. 17.

He expected that good experiences and new approaches shared and documented will enable opportunities for SMEs and the informal economy in the region to apply and improve their safety and health.

The sectors play an important role in promoting national economic growth, making the economy more resilient to the impact of external factors and the Royal Government of Cambodia is paying very close attention and introduced policies to support them, he added.

However, the Royal Government as well as development partners are also facing challenges in supporting them effectively and inclusively.

According to the ministry, across ASEAN, SMEs account for about 97-99 percent of the total enterprises in the region and absorb around 60-80 percent of the total labour force.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press