H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation and Chair of the National Committee for Coordinating the development of the Informal Economy, and H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information, convened a meeting on April 29, 2024 to discuss collaboration to bolster support for Cambodian journalists and promote the implementation of the National Strategy for Developing the Informal Economy.

Highlighting the government's commitment to accelerating the strategy's implementation, Minister Vanndy emphasized that journalists are among the 15 target groups identified in the strategy, launched in October 2023 by Samdech Moha Bovor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Upon formalization under the strategy, journalists stand to gain access to a range of benefits, spanning financial services, skill development opportunities, and social assistance of the government, he added.

Minister Pheaktra welcomed such support for journalists, citing examples of priority access to COVID-19 vaccines and discounts on medical check-ups for registered journalists at MoINFO’s partner clinics. He revealed that the Ministry of Information is establishing a institute to train journalists, particularly focusing on social media journalism, which could be instrumental in facilitating reskilling and upskilling for them.

According to the Ministry of Information, Cambodia currently has approximately 10,000 journalists, and some 6,300 are registered under the Ministry, holding press cards. Minister Pheaktra emphasized the Ministry's efforts to update its database for accuracy and recognized the financial challenges faced by journalists and media organizations, especially amidst the rapid expansion of online media platforms. He also noted requests from journalists for access to social security benefits, which could be facilitated under this national strategy.

Both ministries have reached an agreement to collaborate on various fronts, including organizing public awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of formalization of journalists. Additionally, they will work together on media and communications initiatives to further their shared goals of dynamics of stakeholders system of the Royal Government.