Stew Post
This week, Senior Communications Officer Stew Post spoke with EuroCham’s recently-elected Secretary General Liubov Popova. Along with serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Lubi is also Mekong Project Manager at global logistics powerhouse Maersk (Cambodia).
The pair discussed her path to Cambodia, the future of logistics in Cambodia, and goals for her tenure on the BoD.
Stew: Could you start by sharing a bit about your business background: what drew you to logistics and how did you come to work with Maersk in Cambodia?
Liubov: My journey in Cambodia began in 2015, and since then, I’ve gained diverse experience across hospitality, property development, construction, and marketing within Southeast Asia. Here in Cambodia, I discovered a passion for project management, which has become a core part of my career.
Prior to joining Maersk, I spent nearly five years working for a property development and hospitality company located near the Sihanoukville port. This provided daily exposure to Maersk containers arriving and departing, sparking my interest in the logistics industry. As a dedicated project manager always seeking new challenges, I decided to embark on a career adventure with Maersk. The opportunity to apply my skills in a new industry felt like a natural progression, and I embraced it with a “Why not?” attitude.
Stew: You were recently elected as Secretary General of the EuroCham Board of Directors; congratulations! How do you think your background in business has prepared you for this leadership role?
Liubov: Thank you, Stew! I’m honoured to have been elected as Secretary General of the EuroCham Board of Directors and, to be honest, still feel like I’m onboarding in this new role and opportunity.
While my formal education has undoubtedly contributed, I believe my practical experience and soft skills are most relevant to this leadership position. Qualities such as strong business acumen, inherent curiosity, and a willingness to take initiative will be instrumental in contributing to EuroCham’s success. I am confident that these attributes will enable me to effectively advance EuroCham’s mission and goals.
Stew: Some of EuroCham’s recent achievements in advocacy have come in the logistics sector, with high-level public-private sector dialogues leading to revised customs processes and meaningful engagement with the Cambodian government.
Why do you think it is important to have the logistics sector represented on the Board of Directors?
Liubov: First, I would like to congratulate the previous Board of Directors and the representatives from the EuroCham Transport & Logistics Committee for fostering a strong, mutually beneficial dialogue between the public and private sectors. Their achievements are truly inspiring.
Regarding the importance of logistics sector representation on the current Board, one only needs to observe Cambodia’s rapid development to find the answer, because of its focus on building and innovating the nation’s logistics infrastructure.
With ongoing projects like highways, ports, and the new airport – and many more planned for the future – effective engagement is crucial. Representing the logistics sector on the Board ensures that we can contribute to building a more prosperous and advanced logistics landscape in Cambodia.
Stew: The Cambodian government has big plans for the future of logistics in the country, with a number of large projects exemplifying these ambitions.
How do you think that EuroCham can support the government’s goals of being a logistics hub in the region? What do you think are the key areas to focus on in terms of advocacy and public-private sector engagement?
Liubov: EuroCham is well-positioned to support Cambodia’s ambition to become a regional logistics hub by leveraging its network, expertise, and advocacy. As I know, there are currently over 50 ongoing projects in the logistics industry, signaling a significant push for development.
Key areas where EuroCham has already focused in recent years, and which I believe we should continue to prioritise:
- Streamlining Customs: Facilitate dialogue for digitisation and simplification.
- Infrastructure: Offer expertise on sustainable solutions for development.
- Regulatory Framework: Advocate for a clear and predictable environment.
- Skills Development: Support training for a skilled workforce.
- Sustainability: Promote sustainable practices.
- Promoting Cambodia: Highlight Cambodia’s strengths as an investment destination.
- Data-Driven Projects: Support the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation’s logistics database development through advocacy and committees to ensure data-driven project development.
Stew: You are at the very beginning of your 2-year term as Secretary General. What are your key priorities for your time on the board and what do you hope to achieve in this position?
Liubov: As I begin my two-year term as Secretary General, my key priorities are centered on strengthening EuroCham’s impact and value for its members and the broader Cambodian business community.
I also aim to actively support our new Chairman, Gabriele Faja, in developing the governance side of the organisation, focusing on key operational areas such as sectoral committee oversight, internship development, cross-chapter engagement, and the restructuring of the ethics committee.
Furthermore, I intend to bring a more business-oriented view to the organisation, fostering closer relationships between EuroCham and its members to better serve their needs and drive mutual success. This includes implementing more marketing-friendly activities and boosting our social media presence, so we can work together more effectively, Stew!
