Sr. Director Hans S. Hwang Leads ILO Study on Role of Employers’ Organizations in Formalization of the Economy
At an ILO workshop of representatives from Cambodian employer and business membership organizations as well as government ministries and agencies, Mr. Hans S. Hwang, Senior Director of Sok Xing & Hwang, presented findings and recommendations from a study on the role of employers’ organizations in facilitating the transition from the informal to the formal economy.
Engaged by the International Labour Organization, Mr. Hwang designed and led the research project, including analysis of formalization processes and international standards on the transition to formality, as well as identification of successful strategies and initiatives in comparative contexts around the globe. Sok Xing & Hwang and the ILO also coordinated consultations to obtain inputs from stakeholders for the study. The resulting study report offers recommendations for potential roles of Cambodian employers’ organizations to consider in respect of formalization in Cambodia.
As set out in the study report and as presented at the workshop, key roles for employers’ organizations to consider include: research and awareness raising, especially as a foundational step for other initiatives; advocacy and lobbying on policy reform and an enabling business environment; provision of services to informal businesses and operators to facilitate the transition to formality; and building linkages and networks among key organizations and actors in the formal and informal economy.
Sok Xing & Hwang’s Advisor, Ms. Helena Horal, and Associate, Ms. Lam Kimleng, provided critical research support for the study.