Business etiquette, language & culture Page 1 of 5 Business etiquette, language & culture Overview Khmer is the official language of Cambodia and is used by roughly 90% of the population. Due to the past colonial rule by France, a number of French words exist in the language. However, English is not widely understood, particularly amongst the older generation and in rural areas. Business cards should be translated into Cambodian and printed in English on one side and Cambodian on the other. Use the services of a professional translator (rather than translating online) – a list of translators and interpreters has been prepared by the British Embassy Phnom Penh for the convenience of British Nationals who may require these services and assistance in Cambodia, at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cambodia-list-of-translators-and- interpreters. As in China, business cards should be given and received with both hands and studied carefully. This is particularly important when dealing with Cambodia’s ethnic Chinese minority, many of whom hold influential positions in the country’s business community. The Cambodian culture is conservative and hierarchical, and Theravada Buddhism is practiced by 95% of the population. Followers adhere to the concept of collectivism – the idea that the family, neighbourhood and society is more important than the wishes of the individual – and as in many Asian cultures the sense of ‘face’ is also considered paramount. Consequently you should avoid causing public embarrassment, not lose your temper in public and strive to maintain a sense of harmony. As a sign of respect for western customs, handshakes are the norm between men, but it is not uncommon to greet women with the “Sampeah” – the placing of palms together in a prayer-like position at chest level, with a slight bow of the head. The higher the hands and the lower the bow, the more respect is shown. The Sampeah is also commonly used as a way to apologise or say thank you. The head is considered the highest and most spiritual part of a person's body. Never touch a Cambodian person on the head, not even children, and women should never touch a Buddhist monk. Do not raise your feet above someone’s head (best to tuck them beneath you when seated on the ground), and always eat with your right hand rather than left. Clothing should be modest, particularly for women, and always dress conservatively when visiting temples, homes, or public offices. In business, smart business attire is not unusual for first meetings, but given the tropical climate more relaxed attire without a jacket and tie can often be worn once initial meetings are over. It is recommended that approaches to potential business contacts be made with a prior introduction or personal reference such as a letter from a known government official or business contact – or better still, have a senior Cambodian official with you. Copyright © 2013 IMA Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Generated from http://www.cambodia.doingbusinessguide.co.uk/the-guide/business-etiquette,- language-culture/ Thursday, September 30, 2021 Business etiquette, language & culture Page 2 of 5 Elders are given the highest level of respect, so you should address discussions with the most senior or elderly official present. Wait to be introduced, and then greet the senior official first. Simple gifts are sometimes exchanged after a first meeting, and should be given by the right or both hands, but are not opened when received. They need not be too expensive or elaborate, but can be attractively packaged, (although do not use white wrapping paper). Popular gifts can be fruit, sweets, pastries or something from the UK. Successful business is about personal relationships and getting to know one another first. This can take many years, so you should show that you expect to be involved with Cambodia for the long-term and not just as a short business trip. You will probably need to visit often and show long-term commitment to Cambodia and your Cambodian contacts – keep in touch between contracts. Cambodian public holidays 2018 Date: Holiday: Wednesday 31stJanuary Meak Bochea Day Thursday 8th March International Women's Day Saturday 14th April – Tuesday 17th April Khmer New Year Tuesday 1st May International Labour Day Thursday 3rd May Royal Ploughing Ceremony Sunday 13th May – Wednesday 16th May King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday Tuesday 29th May Copyright © 2013 IMA Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Generated from http://www.cambodia.doingbusinessguide.co.uk/the-guide/business-etiquette,- language-culture/ Thursday, September 30, 2021 Business etiquette, language & culture Page 3 of 5 Visak Bochea Day (Birth of Buddha) Friday 1st June Children's Day Monday 18th June Queen Mother's Birthday Monday 24th September Constitution Day Monday 8th October – Wednesday 10th October Pchum Ben (Ancestors Day) Monday 15th October Commemoration of Late King Father Tuesday 23rd October Paris Peace Agreements Day Monday 29th October King Norodom Sihamoni's Coronation Day Friday 9th November Independence Day Thursday 22nd November – Saturday 24th November Bon Om Touk (Water Festival Ceremony) Monday 10th December International Human Rights Day Sponsored By: Copyright © 2013 IMA Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Generated from http://www.cambodia.doingbusinessguide.co.uk/the-guide/business-etiquette,- language-culture/ Thursday, September 30, 2021 Business etiquette, language & culture Page 4 of 5 Banking / Financial Services ICT / Telecommunications Accountants / Professional Business Services Insurance / Risk Management Services Executive Transport / Limousine Services Human Resources / Management Consultancy Services Joint Ventures / Investment Partner Services Copyright © 2013 IMA Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Generated from http://www.cambodia.doingbusinessguide.co.uk/the-guide/business-etiquette,- language-culture/ Thursday, September 30, 2021 Business etiquette, language & culture Page 5 of 5 ; Contact IMA International Market Advisor IMA House 41A Spring Gardens Buxton Derbyshire SK17 6BJ United Kingdom Email: [email protected] General enquiries switchboard:+44 (0) 1298 79562 Website: www.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk Copyright © 2013 IMA Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 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