Interview with BritCham Executive Director Martin Darby
This week's interview brought together Senio Communications Officer Stew Post and BritCham Executive Director Martin Darby. The conversation touched on Darby's background in Southeast Asia, his areas of expertise and what the Kingdom holds for European -- and British -- investors.
Stew: Please tell us a bit about yourself. What is your business background, how long have you been in Cambodia and how did you come to be the Executive Director of BritCham?
Martin: My name is Martin Darby, and I am the Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce Cambodia (BritCham). I have been living in Phnom Penh since 2019 and previously served as Managing Director of Express Food Group (EFG), an RMA Group company that operates well-known F&B brands such as The Pizza Company, DQ, and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.
Stew: With your background in the region, what do you think makes Cambodia standout from a business perspective? Why would you recommend someone invest here instead of Vietnam or Thailand?
Martin: Cambodia, known as the Kingdom of Wonder, offers an excellent environment for business. The country allows 100% foreign business ownership, has a stable currency, a growing economy, and improving infrastructure. Most importantly, Cambodia boasts a young, dynamic workforce—well-educated, proficient in English, and equipped with a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
Stew: You have extensive experience in Southeast Asia's food and beverage industry. In Cambodia, F&B along with tourism continue to face headwinds compared to other industries. What factors do you think could be responsible for this lagging performance and what are your expectations for 2025?
Martin: In the short term, Cambodia’s economic outlook remains stable, with some sectors, such as tourism, still recovering from the impact of COVID-19. However, I believe the long-term prospects are highly promising, driven by recent major investments, a growing focus on education, and continuous skills development.
Stew: More broadly, do you think that British firms face any unique challenges or opportunities compared to other international businesses operating in Cambodia? How can companies best overcome these challenges and seize opportunities?
Martin: British brands and products sometimes face the challenge of lower recognition in Cambodia, but this is gradually changing. As more Cambodians study in the UK and initiatives like BritCham and the GREAT Britain campaign increase awareness of Global Britain, British businesses will gain stronger traction. The UK is already a significant and expanding investor and trading partner of Cambodia, with Cambodian exports to the UK exceeding $1 billion in 2024.
Stew: You just recently took over as Executive Director of BritCham in November of last year. What have you learned from your tenure in this position so far? What are your goals for the chamber in 2025?
Martin: BritCham is one of the fastest-growing and most talked-about chambers in Cambodia. We are proud to be a founding and active partner of EuroCham, working to strengthen business ties and foster economic growth.
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