Construction Sector Faces Chronic Labor Shortage

Cambodia’s construction sector is facing a massive labor shortage due to a recent boom in construction projects throughout the country and workers migrating en masse to Thailand in search of higher wages. In 2012, the construction sector expanded rapidly with the total value of approved projects totaling $2.11 billion, a 72 percent increase on the previous year’s figures, according to data from the Ministry of Land Management. … But construction companies are in some cases having to wait months while they search for an able work force and economics say, will have to increase wages if they are to compete with jobs on offer over the border in Thailand. … Peter Brimble, senior country economist for the Asian Development Bank, said that the construction sector is steadily planning a big role in Cambodia’s economy, which is expected to grow by at least 7.2 percent this year. Cambodia’s construction currently accounts for 6 percent of GDP and the International Monetary Fund said in January that Cambodia’s construction sector “is picking up thanks to the real estate rebound, in part fueled by rapid credit growth.” …

http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/construction-sector-faces-chronic-labor-shortage-19742/