Excellency Khieu Kanharith, distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen.  Good evening and thank you for your warm welcome.

It is my great pleasure to join RMA Cambodia to celebrate the launch of the all-new 2016 Ford Explorer.  Since the Ford Motor Company was established in 1903, this famed American brand has been a pioneer, bringing innovative products to the world.  Today, I’m so pleased Ford is introducing the reliable and versatile Ford Explorer to the Cambodian market.

As Cambodia’s economy has grown successfully over the last fifteen years, it has given its citizens the ability to embrace their love for cutting edge design and technology in the automobiles they drive.  This can clearly be seen as we drive down the streets of Cambodia.

When the Ford Mustang was launched here in July, the entire stock sold out immediately.  I’m hopeful for the same kind of enthusiasm for the Ford Explorer.  The demand for American products represents an opportunity to strengthen economic ties between the United States and Cambodia.  I’d like to congratulate RMA Cambodia for playing such a big role in promoting the economic relationship between our two countries.  Economic and commercial engagement promotes jobs in both countries, fosters stability, and improves the lives of average citizens.

In 1913, Henry Ford introduced the world’s first assembly line and revolutionized mass-production methods.  His ideas and innovations changed the face of production plants, an influence that endures today around the world, including in Cambodia.  While we celebrate the growth of American business in Cambodia, we also want to support the development and future of Cambodia.

I’d like to share with all of you here today a quote from Henry Ford:  “Coming together is the beginning.  Keeping together is progress.  Working together is success.”  For Cambodia to reach its full potential, we need to work together:  both Cambodians with one another and with international partners with Cambodians.

Working together with U.S. businesses, the United States hopes to expand our commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and to Cambodia.  On behalf of the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, I would like to thank you for your support of American products.  Congratulations to RMA on bringing the 2016 Ford Explorer to Cambodia, and I wish you all continued success.

Thank you.