Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone
August 20, 2015
Your Excellency Keat Chhon, Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen. Good Morning!
It is a pleasure to join today’s ground breaking ceremony for Coca-Cola’s new bottling and production plant. More than 129 years ago, Coca-Cola emerged from a small pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. Today, Coca-Cola is the world’s largest beverage company – and that red and white logo is one of the most recognized brands around the globe. Consumers in over 200 countries enjoy Coca-Cola’s products and trust it for consistency and quality.
For many of us, Coca-Cola has a special place in our memories and our hearts. From birthday celebrations to a night out at the movies to dinner at home, Coca-Cola is an important element in peoples’ lives. As a U.S. diplomat, I have been very fortunate to enjoy the company’s products while traveling and living in countries around the world. From airports in Southeast Asia to roadside stores in South America, I have seen how Coca-Cola is committed to using the very best global business practices to deliver a consistently excellent product to millions of consumers and work with local communities to contribute meaningful corporate social responsibility projects. That is why I am so excited that Coca-Cola has decided to partner with Cambodia. This investment could not come at a better time; Cambodia’s economy is growing, its middle class is expanding, and the nation is poised to benefit from deeper economic integration as a member of ASEAN.
One of the most important roles of the U.S. Embassy is to support U.S. companies and encourage closer business ties between the United States and Cambodia. When companies like Coca-Cola make the decision to invest in Cambodia, it makes us proud.
Coca-Cola’s investment will bring the latest in production techniques, management practices, and technology to Cambodia, helping the country to develop its human capital and strengthen its image as a business-friendly destination.. Furthermore, it sends a clear signal to other global corporations that Cambodia is open for business and ready for additional investment. This is truly an important day for U.S.-Cambodian business relations.
“Khnhom som cun po aoy komrong viniyok robos kromhun Coca Cola neow khnong prates Kampuchea totuol ban chuok chey cia bantor tiat.” I wish Coca-Cola success in its investment in Cambodia!
Thank you very much.
