Cambodia Economy and 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.

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%.

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.