Cambodia Investment Review
PhilCham is set to host an exclusive event to introduce the newly appointed Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia, Her Excellency Ms. Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo. The event, titled “Meet the Ambassador,” will take place on August 9, 2024, at the Oakwood Premier Grand Ballroom in Phnom Penh, from 6 PM to 9 PM. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Philippine Traditional Attire, National Attire, or Business Formal Attire. Limited spaces are available, and reservations can be secured here.
Insightful Dialogues and Networking Opportunities
The event promises to be an evening of insightful dialogues and meaningful connections, bringing together distinguished guests from various sectors. It offers a unique platform to engage with key industry leaders and gain profound perspectives on global affairs.
“This event goes beyond traditional networking,” said Ms. Shiandy Puyao-Katoch, Executive Director of PhilCham. “It represents an investment in personal and professional growth, offering a gateway to exclusive insights and collaborations.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Ambassador Mayo personally, engage in enlightening conversations, and forge valuable connections. The event aims to inspire, educate, and connect participants, contributing to the collective dialogue that shapes the presence of the Philippine community in Cambodia.
Ambassador Mayo, who recently assumed her post, is enthusiastic about strengthening the ties between the Philippines and Cambodia. “I am honored to represent the Philippines in Cambodia and look forward to fostering deeper connections between our nations,” she said.
The event also highlights the growing economic ties between Cambodia and the Philippines. Trade between the two ASEAN nations is set to exceed the $100 million mark this year. At a recent business networking event in Phnom Penh, Maria Amelita C. Aquino, the outgoing Ambassador of the Philippines to Cambodia, noted that bilateral trade had returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, reaching $100.10 million. Data from the first half of 2023 shows a promising growth trajectory.
Aquino expressed optimism about the future of trade relations between the two countries. “Increased engagements between the Philippine and Cambodian business sectors will further boost bilateral trade, focusing on complementarities and niche markets,” she said. She encouraged businesses to explore opportunities in the Philippines, citing successful examples in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical sectors in Cambodia.
“The Philippine embassy has been receiving inquiries from companies interested in the Cambodian market,” Aquino added. She appreciated the role of joint networking events in bolstering trade and investment, fostering better understanding and partnerships among businesses.
Philippines Forecasts 6%+ Growth for 2024
The Philippines is a leading economy in ASEAN, with the Asian Development Bank projecting growth rates of six percent for 2023 and 6.2 percent for 2024. Aquino highlighted that the new Philippine law liberalizing rice imports could enhance bilateral trade, particularly through increased rice imports from Cambodia. The appointment of a Philippine trade attache in Ho Chi Minh City, responsible for Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, is also expected to improve trade relations.
As PhilCham prepares for this significant event, they invite the community to be part of the gathering that promises to enrich participants’ experiences and contribute to the dialogue shaping the Philippine presence in Cambodia. Limited spaces are available, and reservations can be secured here.
PhilCham looks forward to welcoming attendees to an evening of engagement, growth, and collaboration, marking a new chapter in Philippine-Cambodian relations.
