Phnom penh: The 16th National Job and Productivity Fair achieved three major objectives and attracted approximately 120,000 visitors both in person and online, H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, said at the closing ceremony on Sept. 13.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the two-day event, held at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh, was themed 'Skills and Jobs: Labour Productivity for Sustainable Economic Growth.' The annual fair brought together nearly 800 participants at the closing ceremony.

H.E. Heng Sour outlined the fair's first objective: providing job-matching and career counselling services through a new 'Job Park.' This initiative offered job seekers and students one-stop services, including CV preparation, career advice, job applications, and on-the-spot interviews. He described this as a shift from 'waiting to serve' to 'bringing services closer to the people.'

The second objective was to increase awareness of current and future skills needs. Panel discussions with key speakers helped participants understand the importance of skills and labour productivity in economic growth and competitiveness. These discussions aimed to align training programmes with industrial and technological developments.

The third objective was to provide a platform for public discussion. High school students could exchange ideas with workers, training providers, employers, and other stakeholders, aiding their understanding of the role of skills in improving productivity.

The Minister highlighted that despite global uncertainties, Cambodia continues to offer employment opportunities, especially for young people in the garment sector. He emphasized that the Royal Government would work to improve the investment environment to create more jobs.

H.E. Ms. Ouch Cheachanmolika, Director-General of the National Employment Agency, reported that around 20,000 CVs were submitted, with approximately 5,000 on-site interviews conducted, leading to nearly 3,000 job placements. Companies will continue recruiting candidates following the fair.

ILO Representative to Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, Ms. Helen Kirsch, praised Cambodia for the successful event. She emphasized the future workforce's need for technical, digital, and soft skills and urged young people to keep learning and adapting. The ILO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Cambodia in promoting more and better jobs, stronger labour-market institutions, higher productivity, and decent work for all.