Cambodia to return to former glory

Kuala Lumpur (The star /ANN) — A country once torn apart by war is emerging as a key investment destination for small and medium enterprises.

It was once home to a great civilization. In the 12th century, the Khmer empire was South-East Asia’s largest. Angkor was the centre of its power and a series of capitals were constructed during the empire’s zenith. …

Cambodia, renowned for its relatively light-touch regulation of foreign investors, has emerged as a prime choice.

Former Cambodian prime minister Ung Huot said, with Cambodia’s current investment policies, Malaysian small-medium enterprises (SMEs) should capitalise by investing in the country.

“Cambodia is suitable for SMEs that are looking to expand or to set up shop overseas. Wages are competitive and it is good to come in early,” he said. …

One Cambodia-based company has been luring Malaysian investors, both individuals and SMEs, to look at the investing prospects in the country.

“Increased domestic demand and growing imports of flour, starches, and sugars provide an opportunity for investors and cassava has been competitively processed into these items,” said Valley of Wealth Pte Ltd chief executive Clement Woo. …

Cassava, or tapioca, is one of Cambodia’s biggest agricultural products. It is one of the most important tropical root crops as its starchy roots are a major source of dietary energy for more than 500 million people and it is known to be the highest producer of carbohydrates among staple crops. …

Besides cassava, Kampot pepper has been also attracting plenty of foreign investors into Cambodia.

The pepper is the first Cambodian product to receive “geographical indicator status” awarded by Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce. Based on WTO guidelines, the status regulates every aspect of a product’s properties to assure both its high quality and regional distinctiveness – values that have been known among the growers for decades. …

“Pepper farms increased from 20 hectares in 2012 to 41 hectares this year. Moreover, crop yields have increased from 23 tonnes in the whole of 2012 to 27 tonnes in just the first three months of this year,” the newspaper said.

“We see vast potential in Kampot pepper and this is something that Malaysians should look at,” said Woo. …

http://www.thecambodiaherald.com/cambodia/detail/1?page=13&token=NDRhOTI5NzA0Y2E