Senior officials have stated that China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is contributing to the development of vocational education and training systems in Cambodia, Myanmar, and other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Om Romny, Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, highlighted that the Belt and Road Initiative has made significant contributions to the improvement of vocational education and training in Cambodia and other ASEAN countries by promoting infrastructure, economic growth, and skill development aligned with regional needs. Romny noted, “The Belt and Road Initiative has supported technical and vocational education and training (TVET) by financing large-scale infrastructure projects that require a skilled workforce, thereby increasing the demand for vocational training in fields such as construction, engineering, and logistics.” He also emphasized that aligning BRI projects with local labor and environmental laws would strengthen regulatory frameworks for Cambodia and other ASEAN member countries, improving outcomes for both host nations and investors. Speaking on Cambodia’s perspective on developing vocational education, Romny said the country aims to cultivate a skilled workforce that meets both national and international demands.