In the United States, the 4th of July is a day when we celebrate what it is to be American; we reflect on our accomplishments as a nation together with our friends, family and community.

In Cambodia, our community includes all of our Cambodian brother and sisters with whom we work and share our lives.

In this special issue of the Phnom Penh Post, you will see many of the businesses our American Chamber of Commerce members have built in our community. We are thankful for the friendship and support we receive each day from our Cambodian colleagues and friends.

Our Independence Day is also a day of reflection for Americans. Many of us look to our own lives and what it means to be American, particularly when we live abroad.

For those of us in the business community, we take pride in our heritage as an entrepreneurial nation; we value innovation and quality and take inspiration from the many great American companies which continue to serve consumers around the world.

We know that good business creates value for the community in which it operates, bringing new products and services to market which increase people’s quality of life.

In Cambodia, we see many of our AmCham member businesses making exactly these contributions; providing good jobs, quality products and innovations in the marketplace which drive standards higher, ultimately benefiting the Cambodian consumer.

With few exceptions, the modern American business also places great importance on the fair treatment of employees and creating a safe working environment which is free from harassment and prejudice. This is something American businesses are proud of and is itself a great American export.

As we reflect on this year as a business chamber, we acknowledge the significant challenges we continue to encounter, but we look forward with great optimism.

American businesses in the Kingdom continue to invest and expand operations, and we welcome new members to AmCham on a weekly basis. One thing is certain; the American business community stands together with the people of Cambodia and we remain committed to continuing to play our part in the amazing story of Cambodia’s economic growth.

Looking forward to the next twelve months, AmCham Cambodia will continue to work each day to improve opportunities for commerce between our nations.

We build relationships and expand our understanding of key issues during our many events, and we work inform good policies in partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia and our own American Embassy in Phnom Penh.

We encourage all our members to be involved in this process and all prospective members to reach out to our team so we can work to improve your business in the Kingdom.

From all our members and the AmCham Board of Governors, we wish you all a very Happy 4th of July and look forward to welcoming you at one of our events very soon!

Allen Dodgson Tan

Chairman, American Chamber of Commerce Cambodia