In-depth Discussion on the Cambodia Malaysia Business Forum 2024 with Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia President Oknha Tan Khee Meng
Khmer Times: Welcome, Oknha Tan Khee Meng. The recent Cambodia Malaysia Business Forum 2024, held on February 27th in Kuala Lumpur, has garnered significant attention. Having the Cambodian Prime Minister, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, preside over the forum was a momentous occasion. Could you describe the impact of his involvement?
Oknha Tan Khee Meng: Thank you for having me. The forum was indeed a seminal event, and the Prime Minister’s participation was nothing short of transformative. His presence was a resounding endorsement of the forum’s objectives and highlighted the Cambodian government’s commitment to nurturing foreign direct investments. For a leader of his stature to take time from his tightly-scheduled one-day diplomatic visit to Malaysia and dedicate it to our forum underlines his unwavering dedication to Cambodia’s economic progress and future.
From (L) Sok Chenda Sophea, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sun Chanthol, First Vice-president of Council for the Development of Cambodia, Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia President Oknha Tan Khee Meng, Malaysian Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong, Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim and National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia Pesident Tan Sri Dato’ Soh Thian Lai. KT/Pann Rachana.
Oknha Tan Khee Meng: Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s address was insightful and forward-looking. He provided a clear acknowledgment of the substantial contributions Malaysian investments have made towards Cambodia’s economic landscape. The Prime Minister’s strategic focus on three growth areas – Halal Production and Eco System, Special Economic Zones, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training – was particularly astute. These sectors represent significant opportunities for Malaysian investors and promise to create a symbiotic economic relationship between our two nations.
Oknha Tan Khee Meng: Through the following:
Kuala Lumpur Service Centre: We are in the process of establishing a dedicated service centre that will serve as a pivotal liaison between Malaysian investors and Cambodian authorities. This centre aims to offer a seamless and efficient experience for investors, guiding them from the initial stages of inquiry right through to the final phase of project registration within Cambodia;
Integrated Strategic Development: We’re envisioning a holistic approach to development by intertwining the three highlighted areas. Take, for example, the conceptualisation of a halal food production hub within a specialised Cambodia-Malaysia Economic Zone. This hub would not only focus on production but also on building a comprehensive ecosystem that tackles sourcing, financing, certification, and training. This integrated effort would draw on the support of Malaysian financial institutions, Halal certifying bodies, and a skilled workforce developed through Malaysian TVET programmes; and Blueprint for Sustainable Expansion: Once we’ve laid the groundwork for these ecosystems, we plan to explore further growth through capital markets. This could include preparing Cambodian manufacturers for public listings, which would open up new avenues of capital and investment.
Oknha Tan Khee Meng: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. The Prime Minister’s vision for the future of Cambodia has inspired a wealth of corporate leaders who were in attendance. I’ve received numerous communications from attendees expressing a newfound appreciation for Cambodia’s potential. The highlighted sectors, in particular, have sparked significant interest and are now seen as promising avenues for investment and collaboration.
Oknha Tan Khee Meng: This forum has set the stage for an era of heightened cooperation and shared success between Cambodia and Malaysia. With the strategic guidance of Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet and the proactive initiatives of the MBCC, we are poised to enter a period of accelerated growth and economic development. Our commitment to good governance and the fostering of strategic partnerships is unwavering. We fully intend to leverage these strengths to support the government’s vision and ensure the prosperity of both our nations.
Khmer Times: Oknha Tan, it’s been a pleasure to gain such insightful perspectives from you. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us.
Oknha Tan Khee Meng: The pleasure is mine. I appreciate the opportunity to share these exciting developments with your audience. Thank you. Khmertimeskh