Meet Mr. Félix Bontieau, Market Research Analyst at EuroCham Cambodia.
Félix recently joined EuroCham Cambodia in the role of Market Research Analyst, where he will be primarily in charge of advising European Companies to enter the Cambodian market and vice-versa.
Freshly graduated with a Master’s in International Trade & Geostrategy, his professional background includes several experiences in the wine industry, in sales, international business development and government relations. Prior to joining EuroCham Cambodia, Félix was Advocacy Officer at the European Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar. In charge of the Garment, Logistics and Wine & Spirits Advocacy Groups, one of his main responsibilities was to support the chamber’s members in representing their business interests towards the Myanmar Government. He contributed to various advocacy plans and met with multiple government bodies, NGOs and International Organisations.
If you need any support, feel free to reach out to Félix through: |
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Cambodia / Kingdom of Wonder, Safety and Warmth |
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The Ministry of Tourism informs the tourism associations, the private sector, and international travelers that Cambodia is a safe and warm tourism destination for all kinds of tourism services. From 17 March 2022, the Royal Government of Cambodia has removed all barriers to travel and has fully reopened for vaccinated travelers - without any quarantine or COVID-19 testing requirement. Visa on arrival service is again available too.
As of 22 March 2022, Cambodia has achieved a vaccination rate of up to 92.46% of its total 16 million population and continues to guard over a strict implementation of its “Safety Rules – 3 DOs and 3 DON’Ts” and its “Standard Operating Procedures”. |
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Event / Garment Industry 4.0 webinar concluded |
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On Thursday 24th March, EuroCham hosted a webinar on the Garment Industry 4.0 in Cambodia. We were particularly honored to have H.E. Mr. Soem Nara, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation discussing the Royal Government's involvement in the development of industry 4.0 in Cambodia and the challenges that still lie ahead.
Mr. Niels Meijers, Business Development Manager, and Mr. Pierre Rabotin, Head of Marketing from @FingerTip shared their insights on the relationship between industry 4.0 and the garment industry and the possibilities for a digital transition in the sector.
A fruitful panel discussion on the topic “Is Cambodia ready for the industry 4.0?” was led by Mr. Massimiliano Tropeano - EuroCham Cambodia, with the participation of Mr. Ken Loo - GMAC, Dr. Sam Sethserey - CADT, Mr. Joseph Telfer - DataU & Mekong Big Data and Mr. Pierre Rabotin - FingerTip. Thank you to our online participants for the interactive sessions and many thanks to Ms. Luisa Gentile for her thoughts shared during her closing remarks. See you in our next webinar soon! |
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Economy / RCEP and Cambodia |
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On 14 March 2022, the Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) held a hybrid workshop to discuss The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP): Implications, Challenges, and Future Growth of East Asia and ASEAN.
In the discussion, the experts mentioned that RCEP can provide numerous benefits to Cambodia including additional market access for trade in goods of five partners under the ASEAN framework (ASEAN+1 FTAs), of which 99.65% from Japan, 97.35% from New Zealand, 95.70% from Australia, 88% from South Korea and 85% from China. However, in order to take full advantage of RCEP, Cambodia shall implement key policies such as maintaining market reforms, strengthening domestic industrial activities, leveraging the China-Japan-South Korea trade linkage, diversifying exports, trade facilitation, supporting SMEs and developing digital services and technology transfer capacity.
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Infrastructure / Cambodia, Japan to work for Sihanoukville Port development |
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Cambodia and Japan have extended cooperation in economic and social infrastructure, human resource development, and grassroots support.
Prime Minister Hun Sen and Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio have agreed to work together to make Sihanoukville a major port for Cambodia and the Mekong region.
According to the joint statement between Cambodia and Japan, both countries agreed to actively explore new opportunities for the sustainable growth of the Kingdom, such as infrastructure construction, after the bilateral meeting between the two Prime Ministers on 20 March 2022.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) confirmed in early 2022 that it was developing and modernising new container ports through a study with JICA. |
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Legislation / New Prakas for adjusting retail fuel prices |
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The Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Mines and Energy, and Ministry of Commerce issued an inter-ministerial Prakas on 22 March 2022 with 12 articles to adjust the retail price of fuel in Cambodia to better reflect the international rate and maintain price equity.
The Ministry of Commerce shall calculate the retail price of fuel in Cambodia according to the Prakas formula and issue the retail price to the fuel company on the 1st, 11th and 21st of each month, whereas all petroleum retail stations shall not exceed the prices set out by the MOC to avoid a fine of up to 4,000,000 riels (roughly 1000 USD) and may be subjected to a temporary shutdown if the stations. |
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Our founding chamber CCI France Cambodge would like to invite you to their Business Forum on June 9th and 10th 2022 in Phnom Penh (no quarantine for vaccinated travelers), with the participation of François Corbin, special representative of the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs for economic relations with ASEAN countries. For the first time, the CCI France Cambodge and the French Foreign Trade Advisors are joining forces to guarantee the success of this unique gathering.
This forum in french language (English translation available) will be punctuated by more than twenty round tables and mini-conferences that will allow you to discover the opportunities in Cambodia, time allocated for you to present your expertise during pitch sessions, two lunches and a great networking evening. The entire forum will take place 100% in person in order to take advantage of the reopening of the country.
What are the promising sectors? Is my sector of activity open to foreigners? Are there any tax advantages for my investment project? What potential does my company have in Cambodia? All these questions will be answered during this forum which aims to bring together local and foreign companies to establish concrete links.
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ICBA / Italian Design Day Celebration |
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On March 23, 2022, the dynamic community of Italian designers, architects, entrepreneurs, professionals and companies engaged in Cambodia's design and architectural solutions came "virtually" together as testimonials to celebrate Italian Design Day 2023. Italian Design Day is a global initiative through which the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation aims to promote the best of Italian furniture, architecture, and design abroad. IDD2022 in Cambodia is promoted by ICBA under the patronage of the Embassy of Italy in Bangkok and the Consolato Onorario d' Italia in Phnom Penh. |
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Tourism / Kampot quay to be completed by 30 March |
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According to a top official from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, construction on the Kampot International Tourism Port is anticipated to be finished by March 30.
After an inter-ministerial conference to assess the progress of the Kampot International Tourism Port, the Ministry deputy director-general for tourism development Sok Sokun told The Post that the project is now "nearly 100 percent complete."
The project had an anticipated completion date of mid-November 2021 when it broke ground on August 8, 2018, however, circumstances like the spread of Covid-19 throughout the Kingdom and weather-related issues prompted construction work to be suspended twice and the project to be delayed by approximately 18 months. |
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Export / Cambodia rubber exports revenue rises |
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According to the General Directorate of Rubber, Cambodia earned more than $77 million from the export of rubber and rubberwood in the first two months of this year.
Rubber production increased by 6% to 48,509 tonnes in February 2022, compared to the same month the previous year. According to the study, the volume of wood rubber exports increased by 66% to 808 cubic metres.
As of February, the average selling price of rubber fell by $2 per tonne to $1,585 per tonne. The total rubber area is 404,044 hectares, of which 310,193 hectares are rubber plantations, while the maintenance area is 93,851 hectares. |
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Cambodia / Competition Commission established |
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On 17 February 2022, the Cambodia Competition Commission (“CCC”) was established to oversee the implementation of the Law on Competition with the purpose of assisting consumers in accessing high-quality, low-cost, and versatile goods and services. The CCC has been designated to perform key activities including developing policies and plans, drafting or amending national and international regulations, preparing requirements and procedures on business combinations, cooperating with national and international institutions on competition matters and receiving competition complaints. |
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Mine Clearance / EuroCham - CMAA explore cooperation |
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The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham Cambodia) have explored mine clearance cooperation in Cambodia. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister, and First Vice President of the CMAA, and Tassilo Brinzer, Chairman of EuroCham Cambodia, had a talk here at the CMAA offices. Ly Thuch notified Brinzer of the Royal Government of Cambodia's progress on mine clearance initiatives with the help of development partners and nations. He urged EuropCham Cambodia to concentrate its prospective demining assistance in the province of Kampong Cham. The president of EuroCham Cambodia praised the Royal Government of Cambodia's accomplishments in mine-clearing initiatives and indicated his willingness to help. |
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Upcoming Event / Webinar on Italy and Cambodia - Discover the opportunities for business collaboration |
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The Italian Cambodian Business Association in Cambodia (ICBA), with the support of the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (Eurocham) and the ASEAN-Italy Association, is pleased to invite you to a webinar on Thursday 7 April 2022, from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm, for covering the opportunities of business collaboration between Italy and Cambodia.
His ExcellencyMr. Sok Chenda Sophea, Minister attached to the Prime Minister and Secretary-General of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, will present Cambodia’s strategy to retain and attract investors in its ASEAN environment. His Exc. Lorenzo Galanti, Ambassador of Italy to Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos will update on the bilateral relation. Prof. Romeo Orlandi, VicePresident of the Italian-Asean Association on ASEAN-Italy Association, will share their view how fostering the economic relationship with Cambodia, as the Kingdom has this year the chairmanship of ASEAN.
These key presentations will be followed by Italian entrepreneurs’ testimonies. In complement, EuroCham Cambodia and ICBA team will present the investment opportunities, the new Law on Investment, and the community established by ICBA. |
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Our platinum partner BRED Bank marks its fifth anniversary with ambitious expansion plans |
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After five years of rapid growth in the Kingdom, BRED Bank Cambodia’s executive team shows no signs of slowing down. Far from it, they’re more determined than ever and intend to build on their achievements so far with an ambitious development plan.
As it gears up to triple in size, it’s worth noting that in just five short years, BRED Bank Cambodia has established a network of 11 branches covering Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang. The bank opened its latest branch at Sen Sok in February, will open its Chroy Changvar Branch soon and many more will follow in the next few years. |
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Topaz, a restaurant owned by our platinum partner Thalias Hospitality Group, has been placed as one of Asia’s Top 100 restaurants |
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Topaz now takes its place at no. 90, amongst such prestigious restaurants as Noma, E Bulli and Osteria Francescana on the World List, and The Chairman Hong Kong, Gaggan Annam Thailand, Odette Singapore, and Den Tokyo, on the Asia Top 50 List.
“It’s very humbling to be included in this year’s list amongst some of the best in Asia,” said Executive Chef Sopheak Pov. “For the crew, it’s the reassurance of what we are doing and shows us we are moving in the right direction; this is the incredible motivation for the team.” |
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New Members / Welcome to EuroCham |
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From humble beginnings as a small, family-run business in 1997, ISI GROUP has successfully transformed into one of Cambodia’s most successful and respected corporations.
ISI GROUP is currently run-on ERP systems and managed by a team of young and dynamic professionals. Moreover, ISI GROUP is currently organized into three major business divisions: - Building & Material
- Property Development
- Investment Portfolio
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TÜV Rheinland was founded in 2001 with qualified employees and experts to help you every step of the way - from development to product launch and entering global markets. They lend a hand in making products, systems, processes, and people safer and being more competitive with the following services: - Safety assessments and approvals for vehicles and components
- Softline (testing for footwear, garment, toys, food contact, ZDHC, and other consumer products)
- Hardlines (testing for outdoor and indoor furniture, household goods, lighters, packaging, building products, and others)
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC testing of ITE, radio, household, and industrial electrical equipment)
- Medical devices testing
- Technical training in focus market and many more.
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New Member Visit / OSTRA Fine Foods |
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EuroCham Cambodia and our founding chamber CCI France Cambodge made a visit to our newest member Ostra Fine Foods at their office. During the discussion with a delicious lunch with fresh oysters arranged by OSTRA Fine Foods, we got to learn more about their activities and had a better understanding of how we could further engage and promote collaboration together. At the same, EuroCham and CCI France Cambodge also presented the team with our membership certificate, and we definitely are looking forward to working closely with Ostra Fine Foods at our upcoming social events.
About OSTRA Fine Foods Ostra Fine Foods is the leading distributor of fresh oysters, live lobsters and quality seafood products in Cambodia. Based in Phnom Penh, OSTRA Fine Foods is a fine food distributor throughout Cambodia including Kep, Kampot, Sihanoukville, Siem Reap and Battambong Provinces. Their goal is to provide the freshest products from across the globe from the source to their customer. They work closely with farmers, butchers and Fine Food Purveyors to ensure a high quality, reliable and trustworthy supply of the freshest ingredients. Ostra Fine Foods also offers a seafood dining experience with the freshest imported seafood in Cambodia with its Oyster Bars located at Samdach Sothearos, Eden Garden, Boeung Snor, and Siem Reap. |
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Member Visit / Control Union and Bureau Veritas Cambodia |
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This week, EuroCham had the pleasure of two EuroCham member visits, to leading certifying bodies operating in Cambodia, Control Union, and Bureau Veritas Cambodia. Both organisations offer crucial guidance and services to companies looking to export their products abroad, often to access European markets. These meetings were also to discuss the upcoming EuroCham and GIZ Business Scouts for Development "Export Certification Promotion Sub-grant Program", which Cambodian registered SMEs will soon be able to apply for in order to have the costs of their export certification reimbursed. Stay tuned for this space!
Special thanks to Mr. Dilum Wijenayake from Control Union Cambodia, Mr. Diogo Begonha, Mr. Sim Vathanak, and Ms. Tou Tony from Bureau Veritas Group for their time. As well as, Mr. Félix Botineau, Mr. Thomas Hesketh, Ms. Sileap Rithy and Mr. Christoph Janensch for making this happen. |
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Interview "The MoU between EuroCham and GMAC will help promote Cambodia’s ambitions of becoming a green garment-manufacturing" |
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Cambodia: Southeast Asia’s Green Manufacturing Capital? Our Sustainability & Garment Expert, Massimiliano Tropeano, was recently interviewed by Sourcing Journal to talk about our new garment and manufacturing sectorial committee, our cooperation with GMAC and our focus on sustainability and renewable energy.
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Food / Roasted "La Ferme De Bassac" pork belly at Cuts, Rosewood Phnom Penh |
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Enjoy the sophisticated steak and seafood grill Featuring four elements; casual dining, the grill room, dining suites and the Wine Vault, Cuts specialises in hand-cut artisanal meats and an extensive wine collection with over 3,000 wine bottles of 279 varieties of wines.
Besides the mouthwatering menu, Cuts offers dining Suites that is undoubtedly the most unique and exquisite private dining destination in Phnom Penh. The self-contained dining rooms feature contemporary décor, a beautifully designed, versatile table set-up, a state-of-the-art show kitchen, and impeccable personalized service.
Check out other EuroCham Member Restaurants:
b. Consulting Hospitality & Hotel Solutions, Cambodian Country Club, Dara Hotels, Hagar Catering & Facilities Management, Himawari Hotel Apartments, Hops Garden, Hotel Cambodiana, Hyatt Regency, Il Forno Phnom Penh, Knai Bang Chatt, La Palmeraie d'Angkor, Le Flamboyant Boutique Resort & Spa, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Rambutan Hotel and Resorts Cambodia, Rosewood Phnom Penh, Six Senses Krabey Island,Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Thalias Hospitality Group, The Balé Phnom Penh, TS Concept. |
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