Cambodia’s manufacturing and service sectors create the most jobs

The manufacturing sector created approximately 1.5 million new jobs in the last 10 years, increasing its share of the kingdom’s employed population from 8.5% in 2008 to 18.8% in 2019.  

Not to be outdone, the service industry added about 1 million new jobs in the same period, raising its share from 19.2% in 2008 to 26.5% in 2019. The 2019 census report also showed the percentage of agriculture jobs in the employed population falling from 73.3% in 2008 to 54.7% by 2019.  

Cambodia’s total population increased by 2.16 million to 15.55 million as of March 2019 from 13.39 million in 2008, according to the report by the Ministry of Planning. 

In the same period, the proportion of the urban population to total population also about doubled in percentage points from 19.5% to 39.4%. 

The data reflects the kingdom’s structural transitioning from an agrarian economy to one characterised by high added-value and increased productivity driven by industries and services. 

The report was released as the launch of another garment factory was announced. 

To be built in the Bati district of Takeo province, the US$3.1-million garment factory will create 702 new jobs for the locals, said the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) after approving the investment project. 

READ: Cambodia sees US$100 million co-financing scheme fund for SMEs fully subscribed

In January alone, the CDC has given the go-ahead to seven investment projects, including the above-mentioned one, with a total investment of nearly $27.6 million, which are set to generate about 4,000 new jobs. 

These investments amid the COVID-19 outbreak show the confidence investors have in Cambodia’s macroeconomic, political and social stability, despite it being impacted by the pandemic, according to Khmer Times.