Cambodia calling

Cambodia calling

Bangkok Post | 14 September 2015 

'Third wave' of Thai investment now under way with businesses planning for the long term as the economy matures and Thai-Cambodian relations improve.

 
As Thai companies start to see their sales tapering off amid slow domestic consumption, some are reaping the benefits of earlier decisions to enter markets where the risks at times have spooked other investors aware of their chequered history.

Cambodia is one such promising market, as political relations with Thailand improve and memories of destructive anti-Thai riots of 12 years ago recede.


Goods from Thailand account for about 40% of Cambodia's imports, says Thai ambassador Nuttavudh Photisaro. With more than 15 million people, including a growing number of middle-class consumers, Cambodia has been on the lookout for new investments. Because Cambodians in general consider Thai products to be premium goods, investments by Thai businesses are likely to pay off, says Nuttavudh Photisaro, the Thai ambassador to Cambodia.

Thai businesses that were the targets of anti-Thai sentiment in 2003 have returned, and others that had put off decisions have now made commitments to invest in Cambodia.  Signs of their presence can be seen in sectors ranging from industry and agribusiness to restaurants, hotels and even home decoration.


 Betagro, one of Thailand's largest agribusiness groups, is among the companies that have established a presence in the Phnom Penh SEZ.

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