The Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation and Chairman of the Coordinating Committee for Informal Economy Development, Hem Vanndy, presided over the official launch of the Operational Plan on Social Security Formalisation 2024–2026.
The plan marks a significant step by the National Social Protection Council (NSPC) to strengthen support mechanisms for Cambodia’s informal economy, as outlined in the National Strategy for Developing the Informal Economy 2023–2028.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Minister Vanndy highlighted the importance of integrating informal economy actors into the social protection system. “The development of the informal economy and the social protection system are interconnected and complementary foundations for promoting the national economy and the well-being of all citizens,” he said.
The Cambodian government has been increasing its focus on enhancing the capacity, resilience, and competitiveness of the informal economy by prioritising social protection, crisis resilience, and support services for informal economy participants.
The National Strategy for Developing the Informal Economy outlines key roles for the NSPC, particularly under Key Measure 3—providing social protection and support—and Key Measure 4—delivering capacity-building and services for those joining the system.
“Social security registration is a vital mechanism for implementing the strategy and supporting informal economy actors as they onboard. It enables them to register and contribute to access benefits under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF),” Minister Vanndy stated.
As of March 22, 2025, the Digital Platform for Onboarding the Informal Economy has received 36,824 applications: 1,949 from employees, 1,226 from micro-enterprises, and 33,649 from self-employed individuals.
The Social Security Formalisation Plan is expected to serve as a key driver to encourage informal economy actors to enroll in the social security system, particularly in the health care regime, in line with the principle of “Leaving no one behind.”
