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& Pictures by : Srey Mom. | |
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people are taking to selling the coconut fruits and many such vendors can be seen
plying the streets of Phnom Penh. | | | | |
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pedestrians hit Phnom Penh's crowded streets, they must be prepared to dodge noodle
vendors, fruit sellers, sunglass hawkers, and moto drivers. Independent entrepreneurs
are a common sight throughout the Cambodian capitol, which has become a nesting
ground for fledgling businesses.
Observers claim Phnom Penh's lawless business
culture yields a lucrative trade of unofficial moneymaking. A small amount of
start-up capital, sound business knowledge, and a strong drive to succeed are
the ingredients for success, some say. Baking Chinese pies, bread, or selling
groceries in the market require little money or skills, but a lot of commitment.
Thai On, 55, is a cereal retailer in Oresey Market. "I have been doing
such a small business since 1981," she said. | |
"Although it
is not as profitable as selling vegetables or fruits, this small business can
support my family in an easy and suitable way." She said conducting business
presents opportunities for both loss and gain, but she has never felt hopeless.
Despite early financial difficulties, Thai On has successfully expanded her business
into two cereal stores, selling between 20 and 30 types of cereal every day.
"On average, I can sell between 100 kg and 200 kg a day, and most sell well.
The best selling items are soy beans, peanuts, red and green peas," Thai
On said. "Soy beans can be made into soy bean juice, while peanuts are used
to add more flavor to various meals. Red and green peas are especially used for
dessert."
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| Thai
On at her cereal shop in the Oresey Market in Phnom Penh. |
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| A noodle
seller does her business from her low cost make-shift store which she conveniently
carries about through the streets of Phnom Penh. | |
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tasty morsels are distributed from Kampong Cham, Battambang, and Kampong Tom provinces
and can cost between 600 riel for red corn and 2200 riel for peanuts. "It
is a small profit margin, but I am self-employed," Thai On admitted.
A young man selling electronic gadgets in Phsa Thmei, a Phnom Penh market, has
plenty to say about doing business in this bustling city.
"I have been
operating my own business for ten years. Although it is not as profitable as selling
jewelry, I can live happily and independently with my earnings," said Chea
Leng, 33, a watch seller.
He is proud that his earnings pay not only for
his expenses, but his mother's expenses as well. "I am the one among my seen
other siblings who has not gotten married," said Chea Leng. |
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He earns his spending
money selling a variety of model watches, including Rado, Rolex, Elegant, and
Omega. Female shoppers have made Elegant a best seller, paying up to $50 for a
timepiece. Men are happy to pay between $50 and $70 for Rado watches, the favorite
among sophisticated gentleman. With these prices, Chea Leng can make between $200
and $300 dollars a month. He said he is lucky because he has never dealt with
a fluctuating watch price.
Chea Leng has long favored being an independent
businessman. "I first wanted to work with a fixed monthly salary as other
blue collar workers do, but I did not have that much knowledge and I don't read
and cannot write letters," he explained. "That is why I decided to start
my own business. |
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| Chea
Leng is satisfied with his accomplishments so far and
envisions expanding
the business at Psar Thmey. | | |
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| An enterprising
young man
chooses to sell glasses for a living. | |
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" Although he is not armed with the skills necessary to be
competitive in a mainstream company, Chea Leng has the common sense carve out
a place for himself at the market. He is satisfied with his accomplishments so
far and envisions expanding the business. "I will take my small business
to a larger scale so that I can improve my living condition and build up my family,"
he said confidently.
In a country that offers little opportunity for economic
gain, these small-time entrepreneurs are proof that innovation and determination
are priceless. | | | |
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Suite B8, Regency
Square, InterContinental Hotel, 294 Mao Tse Toung Boulevard,
Phnom Penh, Kingdom
of Cambodia.
Tel: (855) 23 213 133 Fax: (855) 23 213 033 E-mail:
editor@leisurecambodia.com | | |
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