The Opportunities in Cambodia: Ratana Phurik-Callebaut (Cambodian Private Sector & Investment Specialist)
01:18:33 Share

Today's guest is Ratana Phurik-Callebaut, a Cambodian private sector & investment specialist and the founder of the Cambodia Community of Investment Professionals (affiliated with the CFA Institute). Born in Cambodia, Ratana lost her parents in the civil war and left for France at the age of 2 to stay with her extended family.

After a successful banking career in Europe (France & Switzerland), she decided to move back to Cambodia and has remained there for the last 18 years. Listen to this episode to get an insight into why Ratana left her comfortable life to move back to Cambodia and why others should consider moving there too. 

Show Notes: https://bordersless.com/business/opportunities-cambodia-ratana-phurik-callebaut/ 

Timestamps & Topics: 

About Ratana

• 2:34 - Ratana's introduction

• 4:30 - Why Ratana moved from Cambodia to France

• 6:25 - Ratana's childhood experience living in France as a Cambodian

• 8:40 - Ratana's career journey in Europe

• 10:40 - Ratana's thoughts on the glass & bamboo ceiling in her career

• 14:32 - Why did Ratana decide to move back to Cambodia?

Life & Careers in Cambodia

• 19:00 - How did Ratana adjust to life in Cambodia? Language & communication difficulties?

• 23:50 - Are many Overseas Cambodians coming back to Cambodia?

• 26:47 - Ratana's career progression in Cambodia

• 32:10 - Career in Europe vs Career in Cambodia?

• 33:05 - Cambodia 18 years ago vs now

Why Cambodia?

• 38:05 - The business & investment opportunities in Cambodia? The positives & negatives

• 43:20 - Who is investing in Cambodia and what are they investing in?

• 45:40 - Expats in Cambodia? Is there a standard career path for foreigners?

• 49:15 - Does Ratana plan to move back to Europe? Or stay in Cambodia?

• 50:15 - How can foreigners network in Cambodia?

• 51:30 - Is entrepreneurship popular among foreigners or locals?

• 55:10 - What to expect when doing business in Cambodia as a foreigner?

• 1:00:23: Life in Cambodia as an expat? What to expect living in Cambodia as a foreigner.

• 1:03:00 - Covid situation in Cambodia? How has it been managed?

• 1:06:10 - What is exciting Ratana about Cambodia over the next 5-10 years?

Conclusion

• 1:09:30 - What is Ratana focusing on at the moment in Cambodia?

• 1:13:30 - Life & career advice for young people. Final words and conclusion