Given the lack of skilled labor and investment in vocational training in Cambodia, The Asian Development Bank approved a US$24.5 million grant for Ministry of Labor to improve the government’s technical and vocational education training (TVET) system.

According to the bank’s statement, this grant will initially fund training in mechanics, construction, business services and information and communication technology in the government’s technical and Vocational Education Training Program before moving onto other industries.

The global financial crisis has underscored the vulnerability of Cambodia’s industrial sectors. Agriculture, manufacturing and the services industry account for 85 percent of country’s employment and 92 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP).

Wendy Duncan, the principal education specialist in ADB’s Southeast Asia Department, said in statement that “the government recognizes that the issue of productivity must be addressed, as must the need to attract new industries to increase the diversification of the economy.”

According to ADB, Cambodia’s government will contribute US$3 million toward the project’s total cost of $27.52 million.

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