Employment to hit 11M in Cambodia, but skills gaps persist

Employment to hit 11M in Cambodia, but skills gaps persist Cambodia's employment is projected to reach about 11 million by end-2026, up from 9.2 million in 2019, with nearly all growth coming from industry and services as agriculture declines and investment picks up (Qualified Investment Projects rose from 414 in 2024 to 630 in 2025, with potential job creation of 438,000). The constraint is matching rather than volume: only 48.9% of workers hold jobs aligned to their education level, with 29.3% overqualified and 21.8% underqualified. Informality has fallen from 88.3% in 2019 to 75.1% in 2025, but productivity per worker still trails Thailand and Vietnam, capping wages. With LDC graduation due in 2029 and trade preferences set to fade, MLVT's message is that creating jobs at scale is no longer enough. Quality, productivity and skills alignment will decide whether the labour market holds up. (Source: Khmer Times)

Cambodia's banana exports to China drive employment and income growth in Oddar Meanchey Cambodian banana farming is emerging as a major export sector, supporting rural communities in Oddar Meanchey. At Longfruiter Anlong Veng's 530-hectare plantation, over 800 locals gain stable employment across the production process. Exports to China rose from 24,000 tonnes in 2024 to over 34,000 tonnes in 2025, with around 22,000 tonnes shipped in H1 2026. Since direct imports were cleared in 2019, China now accounts for about 95% of Cambodia's banana exports. The trade also supports technology transfer, infrastructure development, and rural economic growth, strengthening bananas alongside mangoes and coconuts as key agricultural exports. (Source: Khmer Times)

Tonle Finance sharpens growth strategy with expanded SME and asset financing Tonle Finance is targeting SMEs, entrepreneurs, and individuals for growth in Cambodia following its rebrand from BSP Finance and return to full ownership by RMA Group. Key initiatives include faster approvals, system modernization, and expanded financing across transportation, agriculture, and green energy. The rebranding underscores its focus on customer-centric and flexible financing, while existing lease agreements remain unchanged. Tonle Finance also aims to strengthen financial inclusion through responsible lending and streamline operations and technology to improve service delivery, positioning itself as a preferred provider of productive asset financing. (Source: Cambodia Investment Review)