Cambodia Business
GDP:
US$8.6 billion (2007).
•
Main exports: Dried fish,
rubber, tobacco and clothing.
•
Main imports: Petroleum
products, gold, construction materials and
machinery.
•
Main trade partners: Vietnam,
USA, Germany, UK and Thailand.
Economy
The Cambodian economy was all but destroyed by
the war in southeast Asia and the rule of the
Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979. Since the
ousting of the Khmer Rouge from power by the
Vietnamese in 1979, Cambodia has undergone a
slow process of recovery. Restoration of
agriculture (the foundation of the Cambodian
economy and the main source of employment) has
been slow but steady with rice as the staple.
The timber industry has also grown quickly but
at the expense of worrying deforestation.
The effects of the 1997 currency crisis on the
economy were transitory, given the relatively
undeveloped state of the Cambodian economy.
Cambodia aspires to the status of an Asian
‘tiger' economy and has joined the Association
of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), now the
principal regional economic co-operation body.
GDP growth stood at 9.1% in a 2007 estimate,
with inflation at 4.4%.
Business Etiquette
Shirt and tie need only be worn on the most
formal of occasions. Timekeeping can be a little
vague so try to reconfirm meetings before
turning up. The exchange of business cards is
important. Some knowledge of French would be
useful.
Office hours:
Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1700/1730 and Sat
0800-1200.
