Cambodia is a good destination for Thai food franchise business

BANGKOK, May 6 (TNA) -- Franchise business is booming in Cambodia and shows big opportunities for Thai foods operators, according to Thai Commerce Ministry. Malee Choklumlerd, director-general of the Department of International Trade Promotion, said that franchise shops from other countries were mushrooming in Cambodia as the country was enjoying fast economic growth and its young consumers were welcoming new products. She cited Big Apple Donuts and USA Donut as the established franchise business there and said that Krispy Kreme was about to arrive. Kimsong Chea, executive director of Big Apple Donuts & Coffee (Cambodia), said his company saw potential in Cambodia as there was high purchasing power especially from teenagers who liked to visit shops of world-renowned brands. His company opened its first shop in January 2015. David Nget, a business partner of USA Donut, said the company had been present in Phnom Penh for two decades and most clients were foreigners who worked in Cambodia. Jiranun Wongmongkol, director of the Thai Trade Center in Phnom Penh, said franchise shops were highly popular in Cambodia because urbanization was growing rapidly there and more Cambodians were eating out. Besides, more than 5 million tourists visited Cambodia yearly and the number was increasing. They were the main target group of clients at franchise shops as they had strong purchasing power, Mrs Jiranun said. She saw great opportunities in Cambodia for Thai franchise operators. (TNA)