Private firms hail holiday cut
THE private sector has applauded the government’s decision to cut the number of public holidays. The move will boost the supply chain as Cambodia has the potential for labour-intensive work, especially in the garment sector, they said.
According to a sub-decree on the public holiday calendar for 2020 signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen on Friday, the government has decided to cut six days public holidays, taking the total from 28 to 22.
Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia deputy secretary-general Kaing Monika said the reduction in the number of holidays will increase the volume of textile manufacturing and promote competition.
“It is part of the government’s comprehensive economic reform plan, which is aimed at enhancing competitiveness, volume of production and providing various services through a larger number of working days than before,” he said.
Ly Ly Food Industry Co Ltd director Keo Mom said the
move will increase her company’s production by 60 tonnes per day. She added that the measure would also help attract investors to Cambodia.
“As an entrepreneur, I would like to thank the government. The fewer days off we have, the more we can increase our productivity.
“Having fewer holidays is an opportunity to attract investors,” she said, adding that prospective investors usually ask how many days off employees get before they invest.
The average number of public holidays among Group of 20 countries, which account for 80 per cent of the world’s total trade volume, is 12 days.