Harrison White

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) hosted over 250 guests at the chamber’s flagship Independence Day ‘Summerfest’ event attended by US Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy who highlighted American companies and values in Cambodia during his speech.

The annual event, which was cancelled during COVID-19 restrictions, was hosted at DIB Club in Phnom Penh and was also a charity event. All profits will go to the Cambodian nonprofit ISF Cambodia for 111 bicycles and helmets to assist children to attend school.

Speaking at the event Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy commented the occasion was a fantastic example of true American values on display as well as the strong business and personal connections between the two nations.

“American companies represent the gold standard in Cambodia and today’s AmCham event showcases both the strong business and personal ties the two nations have. In addition, the day provides a fantastic opportunity to support Cambodia charity and give back to the community,” Murphy said.

To read more about the US business opportunities in Cambodia click here.

AmCham is in a strong position

AmCham President Anthony Galliano commented the over 250 attendees highlighted the strong position the chamber was in announcing a record of membership of over 220 companies with projections to reach 300.

“The Summerfest event is one of the highlights of the annual calendar and we are very pleased to resume the event after two years of absence due to COVID restrictions. We want to share the rewards of the past year by making this an incredible day for all in the true spirit of American generosity,” Galliano said.

The event was also a celebration of the chamber’s record membership growth of 85% over the last 18 months, commemorating the record year of membership level, strongest ever financial position, engagement, activity, and giving back to the country and community through its Corporate Social Responsibility agenda.

The chamber currently has seven advocacy committees including; Tax and Legal, Spirits, CSR, Real Estate, Women’s, ICT, and Education.

To read more about AmCham CSR initiatives click here.

Bringing together the US and Cambodian community

Michael Turner Berg, AmCham board member and one of the event’s main organizers told Cambodia Investment Review, “We were very pleased with the turnout and overall camaraderie that the event generated.”

“Throughout the year we hold numerous business networking functions, but it’s nice to be able to bring the American business community, our local Cambodian colleagues, and our families together once again in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.”

Cambodia’s exports to the United States from January to December 2021 were worth $8.74 billion, an increase of 33 percent as Cambodia’s imports from the United States were worth $413 million, up 20 percent.

The Cambodian Chamber of Commerce recently confirmed its American counterpart the US Chamber of Commerce had accepted all three of its proposals and agreed to publicize the country’s potential to American investors and business owners.

The agreement was made after the Cambodian business community led a delegation to Washington during the recent US – ASEAN summit with the purpose to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.

To read more about the cooperation deal click here.

Founded in 1996, AmCham is an independent non-profit membership organization of both American and Cambodian companies that share a connection to American commerce. Our role is to support our Members’ growth and success.

AmCham businesses play an important role in the Kingdom’s story of economic development and are a leading voice in Cambodia’s international business community.