Cambodia and the UK have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on “Exchange and Cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)”. The agreement aims to enhance collaboration in the TVET and skills sector, based on the principles of reciprocity, sustainability and mutual benefit.
The MoU was signed by Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, and Jonathan Ledger, an international expert in TVET and labour market policy representing the UK Skills Partnership (UKSP), at the labour ministry headquarters on Monday, March 9.
British ambassador Dominic Williams witnessed the signing.
Under the three-year MoU, both sides aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation and support each other in delivering technical and vocational education and training as well as skills development in their respective countries. The agreement also seeks to promote effective collaboration in the TVET and skills sector, which will help develop human resources, boost national economic growth and improve people’s well-being.
The MoU is expected to deliver mutual benefits and financial sustainability, including promoting the exchange of ideas and experiences through discussions. This will allow both sides to share expertise and experience in demonstrating the added value of investing in skills and the benefits of workforce development, while also cooperating on innovation to improve the quality of TVET and skills training.
Heng Sour thanked ambassador Williams and Ledger for their long-standing support for labour governance and human resource development in Cambodia.
This support has included scholarships, protection for migrant workers, policy assistance and vocational training, as well as broader support in education, vocational training, trade and investment, and the UK’s efforts to assist the Kingdom as it prepares to transition out of Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
“Through this MoU, Cambodia will be able to welcome more experts, skills development programmes and connections with world-class experts and institutions from the UK,” Sour said.
“We strongly believe this cooperation will help improve the quality of TVET training and Cambodian skills so they can meet the needs of the private sector and support economic development,” he added.
Williams expressed his pleasure at the signing of the MoU, noting that education is crucial to Cambodia’s development.
He explained that as Cambodia prepares to graduate from LDC status in the coming years, it will be increasingly important to raise skill levels — particularly to increase labour productivity. Strengthening skills will also help develop new and high-potential sectors of the economy, enabling Cambodia to continue progressing in the future.
During the meeting, Sour and Williams also exchanged views on strengthening broader bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a long-term partnership. They highlighted the importance of the training programme, which connects the UK Skills Partnership with Cambodia and brings world-class education programmes to the country.
