Welsh Secretary announces opening of Cambodia UKTI office
Secretary of State for Wales, Cheryl Gillan will today (17 May 2012) announce that UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) will reopen their office in…
Secretary of State for Wales, Cheryl Gillan will today (17 May 2012) announce that UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) will reopen their office in Phnom Penh in the British Embassy.
Mrs Gillan will make the announcement in a speech to the British Business Association in Cambodia (BBAC) and the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), as part of a five-day tour of South East Asia to promote trade, tourism and governmental links.
She will be joined by the British Ambassador, Mr Mark Gooding OBE, and His Excellency Pan Sorasak, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce.
Announcing UKTI’s return to Cambodia, Mrs Gillan said:
“I am delighted to be here in Cambodia to announce that UKTI will be re-opening its doors within the British Embassy.
“Over the last five years, we have seen trade relations between the UK and Cambodia increase from £100million to £400million, and we want to ensure that this upward trend continues.
“UKTI’s growing network of offices and worldwide reach can help British businesses compete effectively in what is now a global marketplace. I urge those companies eager to explore the wealth of opportunities available to them in Cambodia, to take advantage of the chance to get the support they need to be competitive on the world stage, and secure lucrative new business and contracts overseas.”
The Secretary of State will also meet with Prime Minister Hun Sen and His Excellency Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce. The discussions will cover the broad range of co-operation between the UK and Cambodia, including sustainable development, trade and investment, regional co-operation in South East Asia, and human rights.
The Welsh Secretary will round off her day with a visit to Quantum Clothing (Cambodia) Limited, the largest British company in Cambodia, where she will unveil a plaque to mark the official opening of their third garment factory.
Quantum is renowned for investing in its workforce and for being one of the strongest advocates for corporate social responsibility in the garment industry, and in the British Business Association in Cambodia.
Mrs Gillan will be met by the country director for Quantum, Kevin Plenty whose family reside in Gorseinon, Swansea.
Mrs Gillan said: “Quantum is an excellent example of British quality, bringing high standards of corporate social responsibility wherever they operate. With its 3,000 strong workforce, and impressive growth figures, the UK can be proud of it success. I hope that other British companies will follow in their footsteps and enter the Cambodian market.”
Notes for Editors:
- Mrs Gillan is on a five day trade and diplomatic mission to Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore
- The UKTI office will be fully operational later this year UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. It provides companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000. Quantum Clothing (Cambodia) Ltd has been operating in Cambodia for 11 years. They are the largest British company in Cambodia (employing more than 3,000 staff).
- Quantum has grown by around 15% year on year. Quantum is an executive member of the Garment Manufacturers Association of Cambodia (GMAC). Under current expansion plans they will be the 5th largest employer within 2 years. Quantum was recently awarded the Marks & Spencer Plan A (CSR-programme) accreditation, one of only three companies worldwide to receive this. This comes on top of already being ISO 9001:2008 and ISO14001 Approved.
- In 2005 Quantum was honoured to receive the Cambodian corporate citizen award from HE Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister, Ministry of Commerce in 2005, along with James Wolfenshon, the then World Bank President. More information is available at: www.quantumclothing.com
- A copy of the Secretary of State’s Speech will be made available on britemb@online.com.kh