Cambodia-Germany Cooperation on Labour, Social Security, and Vocational Training Strengthened

Background

On 11 February 2026, H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia, met with Ms. Garbel Kofler, State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany. The meeting took place during Cambodia’s participation in the OECD forum on compliance control in the garment and footwear sector held at the OECD headquarters in Paris, France.

Scope of Application

The discussions cover bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and Germany focusing on labour, social security, and vocational training sectors. The cooperation aims to address issues relating to improving productivity, skills development, and institutional capacity building in employer and employee professional organizations.

Key Provisions or Decisions

Both parties expressed satisfaction with past cooperation outcomes that have contributed to the improvement of Cambodia’s labour sector, social security, and vocational training. They agreed to intensify and broaden collaboration to:

Enhance productivity;
Develop skills;
Strengthen capacities of professional organisations representing both employers and workers;
Exchange experience and address challenges and timelines related to professional relations development in relevant sectors.

Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance

This enhanced cooperation may lead to improvements in labour governance and workforce development in Cambodia, potentially affecting compliance expectations and labour standards adherence in sectors linked to garment and footwear production and other industries.