PROMINENT businessman Kith Meng was re-elected unopposed yesterday as president of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce.

Kith Meng, the only contender who declared his candidacy for the three-year mandate, received support from all 11 candidates eligible to stand.

“The chamber’s work involves co-operating with the aim of attracting new investment to Cambodia,” he said.

Kith Meng, who is also chairman and chief executive officer of the Royal Group, has already completed one three-year term in the role as Cambodian Chamber of Commerce president. The previous two presidents of the chamber were Sok Kong, head of the Sokimex Group, and tycoon Theng Bunma.

Cambodian Chamber of Commerce director-general Nguon Meng Tech said yesterday the role was crucial to attracting investment to Cambodia, as well as completing work outside the country.

“We have done plenty of work so far, including accompanying the Prime Minister abroad and attracting foreign investors to organise workshops in Cambodia,” he said.

Ministry of Commerce Secretary of State Mao Thora said the agency acted as a representative and communicator for a range of businesses to come to Cambodia. “The government understands that the power from the Chamber is the combination of businesses and business people,” Mao Thora said.

The Royal Group owns 45 per cent of ANZ Royal Bank, the Kingdom’s fourth-largest bank in 2010.

It also owns Mobitel, one of the largest mobile-phone operators in Cambodia, as well as 45 per cent of Toll Royal Railways, along with numerous other ventures.

In July, an American diplomatic cable made public by the anti-secrecy organisation WikiLeaks dubbed Kith Meng  “Mr Rough Stuff”, describing him as a “relatively young and ruthless gangster”.