Cambodian government disburses US$23 million to unemployed workers
- Claire Lee
- Topics: Cambodia, Compensation and Benefits, Home Page - News, News
The Cambodian government has paid out US$23 million to workers who lost their jobs due to the closure of businesses in garment and textile factories and the tourism sector.
The government is concerned with the plight of people who lost their jobs and are suffering, said spokesman for the Ministry of Labour, Heng Sour, according to the Khmer Times.
It will also allocate additional financial aid for another 8,000 workers, said the government, without disclosing the amount.
On December 24, the government extended its financial support programme for the garment and textile sector, tourism industry, and the poor, from January to March 2021.
Some 8,484 workers in 66 garment and textile factories will be able to receive a US$40 per month allowance.
READ: Cambodia: E-commerce initiative aims to create 10,000 new jobs
Cambodia’s textile and garment industry plays a crucial role in its economy, contributing to 80% of the country’s total exports, and 16% of total GDP. The pandemic has so far shuttered 129 garment factories in the country.
According to data from the General Department of Customs and Excise, the country’s exports in clothes, footwear, and travel goods fell 9% year-on-year, to US$8.215 billion.
