Making Contacts
- Connections
are important
in Cambodia. You should try to find someone to introduce you
before attempting to make contact with the government or a
company.
- Begin with
the diplomatic
and trade missions in your home country, if there are any. Well
known foreign companies are less likely to need introductions.
Most of the
current business interests in the country tend to be large consortiums
dominated
by Southeast Asian enterprises focusing on infrastructure projects.
- Only the
senior officials
have authority. As a result, you should try to meet with the
senior
most person possible. If your project is a large one, it is
advisable to meet with the government minister first, who will then
direct you to those people positioned to carry out the mechanics of the
deal. If you are dealing with senior level officials who are
Western educated, their attitudes and responses may be somewhat more
predictable and familiar.
- In
general, Cambodians
welcome foreign business people. Once you establish a presence in
Cambodia,
local representatives or partners are needed to keep your business
interests alive and conduct business on your behalf.
- Foreigners
who show
an interest in developing long-term relationships will have an
advantage
in gaining trust from the Cambodians. Once the Cambodians trust
you,
they tend to be loyal and valuable friends. Incorporating a training
element
for local employees into any contract will be popular because the
government is focused on developing the skills of its labor force.
- When you
are in Cambodia,
you may need to hire an interpreter who can also function as your guide.
Business Meetings
- Cambodians
traditionally
greet other by placing their hands with the palms facing
together
in front of their chests and bowing slightly. In modern times,
men
usually shake hands, although women exchange the traditional
greeting.
Foreigners should shake hands with both men and women, but should wait
until
the woman offers her hand before extending their own.
- Begin
meetings with
some casual conversation on topics such as your travels or your
positive
impressions of the country. Be careful about what you say and to
whom
you say it. Always be polite in your social and professional
interactions.
- Gifts are
not required
for initial meetings. If you prefer, present some samples of your
products or an inexpensive but tasteful item with your corporate
logo.
Consult your local partner or representative for guidance.
Corporate Structure
- Most
modern Cambodian
businesses are public entities, but usually operate like private
concerns.
Each province is governed by a local political leader. As a
result,
corruption is widespread, particularly in public sector.
- The
private sector
has been influenced by French corporate structures. The
management
hierarchy is usually headed by the director general, followed by the
general
manager, and the managers. On occasion, a president ranks at the
top
above the director general.
- There are
virtually
no women with responsible roles in the government. However, most
small
businesses and individual proprietorships are staffed by women.
Business Hours
Government
offices
are officially open Monday to Saturday from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.
The
lunch break and siesta are from 11:00 or 11:30 am to about 2:00 or 2:
30
pm. Private businesses and shops generally follow the same
schedule,
although some shops may remain open longer.
Banks,
ministries
and embassies are closed during all public holidays and festivals.
Public
Holidays:
January
1 - New Year's Day
March 8 -
Women's
Day
April 13 - Khmer
New
Year
May 1 - Labour
Day
June 1 -
International
Children's Day
September 24 -
Constitution Day
October 23 -
Paris
Peace Agreement
October 30 -
King's
Birthda
November 9 -
Independence Day
December 10 - UN
Human
Rights Day
For more information:
http://www.holidayfestival.com/cambodia.html
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