Phnom penh: The Royal Government of Cambodia today launched the Skills Voucher Programme, aimed at strengthening skills development, expanding opportunities, and increasing income for the Cambodian workforce, including those in the informal economy. The launching ceremony was presided over by H.E. Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, with the participation of senior government officials, development partners, and private-sector representatives.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation and Chairman of the Coordinating Committee for Informal Economy Development (CCIED), stated that the programme reflects the government's commitment to inclusive growth. He emphasized the importance of social protection and skills training as foundational elements for enhancing economic development, productivity, competitiveness, and citizen well-being.
The Royal Government of Cambodia is prioritizing efforts to strengthen the capacity of the informal economy and enable its integration into sustainable economic development. The Skills Voucher Programme is expected to enhance the ability of informal economy actors, primarily self-employed individuals and micro-entrepreneurs, to acquire skills and transition into formal businesses. It focuses on areas such as local production, food processing, and agro-processing, which require technical and vocational skills to thrive in the formal sector.
Informal economy actors registered on the government's digital platform will automatically receive an electronic skill voucher valued at 600,000 Riel. This voucher can be used to pursue skills training at partner institutions of the Skill Development Fund (SDF) by accessing the SDF website and selecting appropriate training courses.
As of January 16, 2026, the platform had received 274,221 applications from self-employed individuals, micro-enterprises, and employees of micro-enterprises and seasonal workers. Registered participants benefit from a comprehensive package of support, including tax incentives, improved access to financial services, and government services such as the National Social Security Fund. Additional support includes digital solutions under the Enterprise Go Digital programme, insurance benefits in partnership with the private sector, and the newly launched Skills Voucher Programme, all aimed at enhancing capacity, productivity, and integration of informal economy actors into the formal sector.