Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.  Good morning and please accept my best wishes for a happy new year!

Saum choon poh chhnam thmei!

It is a genuine pleasure to join today’s press conference announcing the opening of Domino’s Pizza in Cambodia.  Food often brings friends and families together, so it is particularly fitting that we start the New Year welcoming such an iconic American pizza company.  I would like to thank Domino’s Pizza for inviting me to participate in this special event.

One of the most import functions of the U.S. Embassy is to support U.S. companies and encourage closer business ties between our two countries.  Economic and commercial engagement promotes jobs in both countries, fosters stability, and improves the lives of average citizens.  Working together with U.S. businesses, we hope to expand our continued commitment to the region and deepen our engagement across more sectors.

With that in mind, it is a pleasure to welcome Domino’s Pizza to Cambodia.  Through hard work, a great product, and amazing service, what began as a single store in 1960, it has today grown into a company of 10,000 corporate and franchised stores in over 70 countries.  Domino’s– with that distinct red, white, and blue symbol – started near Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and has always been a favorite among high school and university students, especially during final exams.  I distinctly remember one night when I was in college struggling to prepare for an exam.  Tired and having little time to cook, I called Domino’s Pizza.  Despite the howling wind and driving rain, the delivery driver arrived in 20 minutes with 10 slices of delicious, thin crust inspiration – exactly what I needed to get through the night.  I also remember Domino’s pizza as a distinct part of my childhood–at birthday parties, after swim practice, and cheering on our favorite football teams on tv.  I hope that as Cambodians experience Domino’s, they will also have wonderful memories of food and family events to remember years later.

To conclude, I would just like to say that I hope Domino’s vision, boldness, and courage in coming to Cambodia will inspire other American businesses to do the same.  As an iconic American brand that symbolizes both great quality and excellent service, you have my heartfelt congratulations and I wish you continued success.  And thank you, Domino’s for always getting me though my exams.  I may not remember what score I got on those exams, but I will never forget the pizza!

Thank you.