Tracing the ownership of Everbright is as challenging as gaining access to its Kandal

mill.

The actual parent company of Everbright remains a mystery.

Although Everbright's Phnom Penh-based General Manager Wang Yao Fei says the company

is based in Guangdong, neither he nor the Chinese Embassy's Commercial Section ,

which maintains a complete list of China-based companies, were willing to explain

who actually owns the company.

In August 1996 Everbright CIG Wood Company, Ltd. signed its investment agreement

with the Government - a year before the company officially registered with Cambodia's

Ministry of Commerce.

According to the Ministry, Everbright CIG was a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Everbright

CIG Holding Co Ltd., but no holding company with this name is now listed in Hong

Kong.

There is, however, a China Everbright International Ltd which manufactures and sells

timber products.

A corporate profile of China Everbright International Ltd. says the company has a

controlling interest in Shenzhen Everbright Timber, one of China's largest manufacturers

of processed wood products.

In turn, China Everbright International Ltd. is a subsidiary of China Everbright

Holdings Co. Ltd.. According to information obtained by the Post, China Everbright

Holdings Co Ltd is under the direct control of China's State Council or cabinet.

Wang Jian, head of the Chinese Embassy's Commercial Section, said he could not give

the name of Everbright CIG Wood's parent company. He said there are no State-controlled

companies in China and suggested the Post research China's reform policy.

The Assistant General Manager of Everbright CIG Wood refused Post requests for the

name of its parent company. "Ask my lawyer, he will know."

Everbright's lawyer, Ky Tech, said he has never been told the parent company's name.

The DFW's Ty Sokun said he did not know Everbright CIG Wood's owner either.