The MoC is establishing a methodology for Cambodian producers to fulfill the country's food security needs and to export its surpluses. MoC is facilitating the formation of associations and cooperatives so that the Cambodian producers can access information and a global network to improve the quality of their products for a necessary diversification of trade. Recently Cambodia has been in the news, both the printed news and on the Internet. Can you tell us also what the current average monthly wage is for a factory worker in Phnom Penh, the capitol. The recent labor disputes you mention are already resolved.
Many conflicts happen because of the lack of understanding of the progressive Cambodian Labor Law.
On March 16, the MoC is organizing a public forum gathering union representatives, the Garment Manufacturer's Association, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Labor, and the Ministry of Commerce to voice their views and clarify any misunderstandings of the Law. A formal committee made up of the MoC along with the above-mentioned ministries, the workers union representatives and the Garment Manufacturers' Association resolves all labor disputes that arise. The Labor Law protects the working conditions of the workers. The real problem is the long delays in administrative procedures. The MoC has set up a system to shorten all procedures within the time frame of 48 hours with the exact allocation of tasks to the MoC's civil servants.