The U.S. companies, all of which are members of the Fortune 500, with 9 of the 11 ranking in the top 73, represent a broad range of spectrums and include companies which have been active in Cambodia for many years as well as some which have just become interested in the market. Cambodia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN, and the important work to be done to further ASEAN integration, has helped galvanize corporate interest in the Country.

“The Council has seen a steady growth in U.S. corporate focus on Cambodia over the past ten years,” said Frances Zwenig. “This year’s mission is our largest to date, which reflects on the progress Cambodia has made in improving its business environment.”

The delegation discussed their companies positions as stakeholders in the continuing growth of Cambodia, and discussed ways they could partner with the Government of Cambodia to help further Cambodia’s integration into the global economy.

The Council for the Development of Cambodia noted a sharp rise in U.S. investment in Cambodia this year. Through the first half of the year, U.S. investment stands at $142 million, as compared to $34.5 through the same time period in 2010. Bilateral trade stands at around $1 billion in the first half of the year, comprised mainly of exports from Cambodia's garment industry.

During their visit, the delegation met with Prime Minister Hun Sen, Deputy PM and Minister of Finance Keat Chhon, Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh, Minister of Posts and Telecommunication So Khun, Minister of Health Mam Bunheng, Secretary General Sok Chenda Sophea, and Minister of Industry Suey Sem.

Companies participating on the delegation included ConocoPhillips, Chevron, GE, Abbott, Cisco, Dell, Federal Express, Johnson & Johnson, MasterCard Worldwide, RMA Group, and Visa International.

Many delegation members will continue on to participate in the Council's Business Missions to Laos and Vietnam.

###############################

The US-ASEAN Business Council represents over 100 major U.S. Corporations, ranging from those who have been active in Southeast Asia for over 100 years to newcomers looking to expand their presence in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. The Council’s sectoral working groups, including Customs, Defense & Security, Energy, Financial Services, Food and Agriculture, Health & Life Sciences, Information & Communications Technology, and Infrastructure, bring together the pre-eminent companies in their fields to enable high-level dialogues that help resolve issues and drive innovation and investment. With long-established personal and professional relationships in ASEAN and Washington, the Council is the most effective conduit between decision-makers on both sides of the Pacific.

Learn how we are connecting American business to Southeast Asia at www.usasean.org.

Become a Fan of the Council on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

For Further Information Please contact Anthony Nelson at anelson@usasean.org.