A senior Japan-Cambodia Association (JCA) official said that his organisation will work to attract more Japanese investors to the Kingdom and help with human resource development, know-know and skills so that workers here can keep up socio-economically.
JCA president Fumiaki Takahashi, formerly Japanese ambassador to Cambodia, made the remarks on February 7 as he met with Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Ith Samheng for discussions.
At the meeting, Samheng complimented Takahashi for strengthening and developing fruitful cooperation between the two countries.
He said that although Takahashi had completed his diplomatic mission to Cambodia, he has continued to develop good relations with the Kingdom.
“The governments of the two countries have increased cooperation to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership [CSP]. The flow of Japanese trade to Cambodia is increasing. Investments in all areas have offered many Cambodians job opportunities. This shows the potential and the attraction of Cambodia,” he added.
He continued that Japanese investors to Cambodia have brought the latest technologies and easy mechanisms to manage firms and factories.
The minister noted that Japanese firms present in Cambodia are known for adhering to the labour law and their communication with Cambodian employees tends to be harmonious.
Hong Vannak, an economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia’s International Relations Institute, said Japanese investments in Cambodia are still growing despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said that today many Japanese firms are investing in the special economic zones in Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh and Koh Kong province. Those firms invested in almost all sectors, especially in manufacturing outside of the textile sector.
“Cambodia expects that Japan will continue with more investments in other sectors in Cambodia,” he added.
The leadership of the labour ministry said it would like to see at least 50,000 Cambodian workers go to work in Japan through visa programmes, whereas today perhaps 20,000 Cambodians are working there.
Takahashi said his association will do its best to help Cambodians develop the necessary skills that are in demand for Japan.
He said he was also pleased to see that Japan-made vehicles are being driven in large numbers in Cambodia.
“That is an opportunity for the Japanese side to provide Cambodian youths with training in vehicle maintenance and repairs, including detailing skills. Automotive skills are always popular and Cambodian youths can generate more income if they pursue this career,” he added.
