THE Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone began a national recruitment drive yesterday, aiming to add workers to meet an anticipated rise in demand for labour. 

Businesses are increasingly setting up in the SEZ, but finding workers has proven a challenge, according to PPSEZ Managing Director Hiroshi Uematsu.

“Demand for investment in Cambodia is so high that our partners often have trouble finding workers from varying skill levels,” he said.

The zone continues to grow and provide opportunities for unskilled and skilled workers to enter the labour market, said PPSEZ Customer Service Manager Kim Va.

“Workers no longer need to go abroad to find work, they can now have a good future near their homes,” he added.

In February, the PPSEZ announced it had begun work on its US$20 million second phase, aiming for it to be completed in two years, and cover 162 hectares.

It claimed its 141 hectare first phase has been completely booked.

The PPSEZ said it assists businesses through measures such as hosting quality on-site utilities, access to relevant government authorities, as well as support with worker requirements.

It assists in training workers who have potential but not the required skillsets, according to PPSEZ Human Resource Manager Kvach Kimsan.

“We currently have 27 companies in the PPSEZ and the number is annually increasing, so the demand for workers is also growing,” he said.

“Currently, we need thousands of workers in our economic zone.”

Kvach Kimsan added that the PPSEZ currently employs 4,915 workers, but aims to add 1,500 workers this year, 3,000 next year, and a further 4,000 by the end of 2013.

Evergreen Industries garment factory employee Pum Sreyleak said yesterday that the PPSEZ provided a good, safe working environment.

“I don’t want to work abroad as my country now provides more jobs,” the 22-year old told The Post.

“People who want jobs should come here.”

The Phnom Penh SEZ includes tenants such as Aiinomoto and Yamaha.