PHNOM PENH: H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation and Chairman of the Coordinating Committee for Informal Economy Development, presided over the official launch of the Operational Plan on Social Security Formalisation 2024–2026.
This marks another important step by the National Social Protection Council (NSPC) to strengthen support mechanisms for the development of Cambodia’s informal economy, as outlined in the National Strategy for Developing the Informal Economy 2023–2028, said the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI).
“The development of the informal economy and the social protection system are a strong foundation that is interconnected and complementary to each other in promoting the national economy and the well-being of all citizens,” said H.E. Hem Vanndy at the opening ceremony.
The Royal Government of Cambodia has increased its focus on building the capacity, resilience, and competitiveness of the informal economy by prioritising social protection, crisis resilience, and support services for informal economy actors.
The National Strategy for Developing the Informal Economy identifies key roles for NSPC under Key Measure 3—providing social protection and support—and Key Measure 4—delivering capacity building and services for those onboarding the system.
“Social security registration is a vital mechanism for implementing the strategy and supporting those onboarding as informal economy actors, which enables them to register and pay to access the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) benefits,” stated H.E. Minister.
According to MISTI, as of Mar. 22, 2025, the Digital Platform for Onboarding the Informal Economy has received 36,824 applications: 1,949 as employees, 1,226 as micro-enterprises, and 33,649 as self-employed individuals.
The Social Security Formalisation Plan is expected to serve as a catalyst to encourage informal economy actors to enroll in the social security system, especially in the health care regime, in line with the principle of “Leaving no one behind,” added the same source.