Cambodia launches free digital platform to support informal workers

Scientists, officials and fishermen release a 300-pound giant freshwater catfish after it was tagged, into the Mekong River, near Kampong Cham province, Cambodia, December 10, 2024. Zeb Hogan/USAID Wonders of the Mekong Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.

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Cambodia has introduced a free digital platform to help workers in the informal economy.

Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the launch on Monday in Phnom Penh, calling it a big step in the National Strategy for Informal Economy Development 2023-2028.

According to him, the platform would recognise and support millions of informal workers across the country.

A survey shows that Cambodia has 7.9 million workers out of which only 1.7 million are in the formal sector. The other 6.2 million are in the informal economy, where they are more vulnerable to economic shocks and lack basic support

The platform aims to give workers access to job training, social protection, and financial services and is voluntary and free, targeting small businesses, self-employed individuals, and seasonal workers.

Prime Minister Manet expressed optimism that the platform will improve living standards, create new opportunities and also make it easier to respond during crises.

By collecting more data on informal workers, people who often miss out on important services like healthcare and loans will also be noticed and catered for.

The government hopes the new platform will help informal workers live better and have stronger protection in the future.

Wonder Hagan