As a reflection of increasing confidence in the political and economic situation

in Cambodia, the Royal Cambodia Group celebrated the grand opening of their sixth

floor Canon products showroom on September 3.

The company, which was set up more than a year ago by chairman Sophan Kith, and which

has been marketing Canon copiers, cameras, fax machines and other products for almost

as long, held off on celebrating the completion of their refurbished showroom due

to political uncertainty leading up to the May elections.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Commerce Var Huot gave a personal plug

for Canon products.

"I would say that for me Canon is very famous," the minister said. "Even

when I was young, using a camera that was 15 years old, it still produced good pictures."

The minister went on to underscore the new government's commitment to a market-based

economy, while noting that during his recent trips to Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore

he met many people that wanted to invest in Cambodia.

"I like traders," Huot said as a reflection on the type of new busines

activity that has been most profitable in Cambodia during the last year.

"But investors are better. Anyway, I know trading leads to investing."

Canon Singapore's Managing Director Katsuaki Furata was also present at the ceremony.

Furata predicted that Cambodia would be a growing market for the company from now

on. "We expect 10 to 20 percent increase (in sales) every year," he said.

Commenting on the reasons why Canon Singapore chose the Royal Cambodia Group to serve

as its distributor in Phnom Penh, Furata said "we picked the Royal Group because

we believe they are the best distributor in Cambodia. Sophan Kith also has good connections

in the political area and we trusted his sincerity, enthusiasm and experience."