On 29 March 2023, our Managing Partner, Matthew Rendall, was honored to represent Cambodian Federation of Employers and Business Associations (CAMFEBA) to deliver the opening remarks for the “Tripartite Annual Review of Decent Work Country Programme 2019-2023″ (Tribute Annual Review of DWCP 19-23). 

In his speech, he emphasized the commitment of the Government and its social partners in addressing labor market challenges and realizing decent work for all Cambodians.  

“It has been five years now that the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) has been serving as a cooperative framework and plan of action to help Cambodia achieve job-rich growth and inclusive and sustainable development. The program illustrates the government and its social partners’ commitment to addressing the labor market challenges in Cambodia and realizing decent work for all Cambodians.” 

Mr. Rendall also highlighted the impact of the globalized economy on labor markets and the challenges faced by Cambodia, such as supply chain disruptions and inflation. 

“The contemporary globalized economy continues to impact the world’s labor markets. In 2022, Cambodia’s economy rebounded as a result of post-Covid-19 recovery, but several challenges remain – such as supply chain disruptions- (due to the recently lifted long lockdown measures in China and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war), – causing a hike in prices of goods, especially in fuel and raw materials. These factors pushed global inflation to 8.8% in 2022 – compared to only 3.4% in 2021. Cambodia is no exception.” 

As a key social partner, CAMFEBA suggested focusing the program on sustainable enterprises and job recovery and creation as the main theme for the coming years. The program should also facilitate and support private sector access to finance, especially for SMEs, and those who have lost jobs and are now looking at the possibility of establishing a business as an alternate means of livelihood. 

Matthew further showed appreciation to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, relevant stakeholders, and the ILO for their cooperation.  

He expressed optimism that the workshop will not only review annual priorities but also explore the possibility of a Phase 6 for Cambodia. 

This involvement illustrates our firm’s commitment to bring an inclusive development for the Kingdom and all Cambodian workers.     

About Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP):  

The Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) is a development cooperation portfolio in Cambodia with a budget of at least US$25 million for 2019-2023. It aims to help the country achieve job-rich growth and inclusive and sustainable development through promoting employment, strengthening social protection, and improving industrial relations. The DWCP aligns with Cambodia’s national development objectives, policies, and sustainable development goals, and requires commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders for effective implementation. The programme is reviewed annually to assess progress, share lessons learned, and make necessary revisions, including adjustments due to COVID-19. 

About Cambodian Federation of Employers and Business Associations (CAMFEBA): 

 CAMFEBA is an autonomous and independent federation of employers and business associations in Cambodia, recognized and registered with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labor, Vocational Training and Youth Rehabilitations. Established in 2000, it represents and protects the rights and interests of employers in the country. The federation provides members with a platform for consultation and discussion on issues of common interest, and promotes sound principles and practices of human resource and industrial relations through legal advice, research, training, and other activities.