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Hello everyone, I am new to this site so please bear with me. I have been contemplating moving to Cambodia, namely Sihanoukville, for some time, however my main concern is my skill set. That's not to say I'm not interested in learning new things, but at the moment want to stick to my strengths. I have owned 2 sole trader businesses in the uk, window cleaning and vehicle movements. None of these i'd imagine are replicable in Cambodia and to be honest have no interest in either, but with the port in Sihanoukville, I was thinking of the possibility of a small, owner operated single vehicle transport business, mainly dealing with small goods movements (pallets etc). Information online is scarce. But my main question really, is with the right kit, networking and advertising, could it work? Language is something I can work on so i'm not too concerned about that as it will improve over time, but my biggest concern is to invest in the start up costs etc and then to find it is sort of a closed market, and what I mean by that, is it monopolised by big players and there isn't enough of a market for anyone else? Traveling the entirety of Cambodia isn't an issue but I'm sure these more efficient ways to transport for the longer distances. I'm certainly willing to put the effort and time in but would very much like a much better work life balance if I were to make the move. Does anyone have an insight to how the port works, I was looking at the website and came to the conclusion it is owned by the Cambodian government, would that suggest a tender based system to procure the work? Anyone seen it being done?
Regards Owen.

1 - port is monopolised by cam control, unless u come here and start establishing connections, u will not be getting into the port
2 - cost of a beat up tow head n trailer is between 20 to 30K
3 - as a single driver / owner operation u need to speak khmer to be cost effective, operate efficiently and to look for business

cheers good luck

Well being is business is about establishing connections etc. So my question would be then, are the Khmer business community open to doing business with a foreigner? If I can learn a handful of the language then that would be enough to get me by no (to begin with or is it all or nothing?) Not interested in an artic (as I would be competing directly with these business folk in question) also would need somewhere to park it up of that size and have no interest in renting a commercial property,but a smaller commercial vehicle, specialising in smaller transport needs for small businesses,etc etc (niche no?). I was reading on here that someone paid $2000 for a motorcycle transport and rebuild for sihanoukville to phomn pehn, for a 140 mile trip (1 way) that sort of thing could be outsourced no? Yes I understand it would need a lot of networking. Just trying to get an idea of the landscape. Thanks

u need to live here for some time to understand the khmer psych

on top of that youll be undercut by locals

In addition to what he said ^^^, you would need to be aligned with the relevant mafia that covers that sort of thing.

You need to get here, and live amongst it for a year or more.

mafia

the most overused alarmist term used in cambodia

It's not really a Mafia, this, and the rest of the country is more like a pyramid scheme, and everyone that you need to know bought in 30 years back. You can buy your way in now, but unless you want to keep on paying up the chain you'll never do much better than the guys that operate these:

I understand everyone, thanks for the replies. I am still going to be coming over, aiming to work in the hospitality business for a while til I gauge the mood better, at least for 6 months, not that stupid to just hop on a plane and then invest lol. So if anyone has any job offers in the sihanoukville area then feel free to message me, looking at making the move within a month or so. The picture above made me chuckle though, not quiet what I had in mind. Thanks.

buses are used for delivery as are semi trucks,even for small drop offs
most people dont own a bank account
the roads are lethal
the market is well catered for

dont come here with no cash!

Got ya! Appreciate the input.