On the evening of November 8, 2022, our delegation was warmly greeted to a Welcome Dinner hosted by H.E. Rin Virak, Permanent Secretary of State, Ministry of Planning. Joining H.E. Rin Virak were H.E Phan Oun, Ministry of Commerce, H.E Va Sophal, Ministry of Planning, H.E Lim Phanna, Ministry of Planning, and Oknha Ung Ly Heng (Real Estate Developer). The evening allowed our delegation a chance to network with various government officials while learning more about various opportunities in Cambodia.
Our delegation was cordially invited to attend the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit 2022, organized by the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and ASEAN Business Advisory Council. This event is a two-day summit comprised of networking opportunities among business leaders; a Welcome Gala Dinner; the ASEAN Business Awards followed by panel discussions on this year’s theme, ‘Addressing Challenges Together’, the impact Covid and war in Ukraine have had on people and economies. The summit was a huge success as it welcomed over 1000 participants and business leaders and company executives from ASEAN and its Dialogue partners.
Fruitful discussion took place among Mr. Bunleng Men, theTrade Commissioner from theOffice of the Embassy of Canada, Mr. Lenny Wong, President of the Cambodia Trade & Commerce of Toronto, and our delegation on various support levels the Canadian government can provide.
The meeting was extremely productive resulting in forming a point of contact between both sides. It also resulted in centralized communication with updates on economic policy and regulations, initiate collaboration and working groups to help identify business opportunities between the two countries and help resolve business related matters for Canadian investors. The Cambodia Trade & Commerce of Toronto will act as a bridge between Cambodian and Canadian businesses, while helping to strengthen bilateral relationship between Cambodia and Canada.
The Cambodia Trade & Commerce of Toronto delegation lunch reception was very well attended with over 20 VIP guests from various Cambodian government bodies and businesses. An in-depth discussion took place between our guests of honour and our delegation with insights on the business and investment climate in Cambodia and opportunities between Cambodia and Canada.
Mr. Lenny Wong, President of the Cambodia Trade & Commerce of Toronto and his delegation had a courtesy meeting with Lieutenant General Hun Manet, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Commander of the Cambodian Army at Hotel Hyatt.
Canadia Bank was established in 1991 as Canadia Gold & Trust Ltd, a join-venture company between Cambodian Canadians and the National Bank of Cambodia. It has since grown its operations to becoming the largest local bank in Cambodia. Dr. Pung Kheav Se, the Founder, presented their current project being constructed, the Techo International Airport in the Kandal province which, when completed will be one of the largest airports in the world, covering 2,600 hectares of land.
The delegates were provided an opportunity to tour the Canadia Bank PLC’s head office and network with the founder, Dr. Pung Kheav Se, Mr. Thierry Tea, OCIC Vice President Business Development, Mr. Ang Enghuy, Chief Financial Officer, Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation, Mr. Charles Vann, Executive Vice President, Ms. Cheak Sokheak, Chief Executive Officer of The Olympia Mall along with many other executives.
Mr. Lenny Wong, President of Cambodia Trade & Commerce of Toronto and his delegation met with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, H.E Dith Tyna and his team to better understand the current environment, product feasibility, policies, regulations, and certification process within the Agriculture and Fisheries sectors.
YEAC consists of many young Cambodian entrepreneurs who are SMEs, a great opportunity to collaborate and share information about Cambodian market trends, and potential sectors.
Mr. Seang Sopagna, President of YEAC and Mr. Lenny Wong, discussed building partnerships, and joint venture opportunities. Mr. Lenny Wong indicated an interest in helping YEAC with solid businesses who want to expand but need some capital or seeking joint venture opportunities.
The two Presidents confirmed and established a point of contact for ongoing communication, project related, and future networking opportunities and project discussions.
