Sok Kong

Sok Kong is a Cambodian businessman and founder of Sokimex, a company based in Cambodia.

In this Cambodian name, the surname is Sok. In accordance with Cambodian custom, this person should be referred to by the given name.

Biography

Kong was born in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia. His education did not go beyond the third grade. In 1975, he fled to Vietnam from the Khmer Rouge and came back a few years later. Sok Kong started his career in the 1980s with a small rubber business producing motorbike and plastic tires and an initial capital of $100. He created his own rubber mill and signed a deal with the government to manufacture shoes from old tires.[1]

By 1990, the capital grew up to $100,000. His company started selling gasoline to the government and to UNTAC. In 1994, he opened a garment factory. In 1996, the Cambodian government sold its gasoline storage stations, and Sok Kong acquired them.[2]

In 1999, Sok Kong acquired the ticketing rights to Angkor Wat.[1]

Sok Kong has developed Sokimex with his brother Sok Vanna, and in close relation with the Cambodian government. In 2000, opposition leader Sam Rainsy accused Sokimex of being set up with the support of the Vietnamese invading army and that it became the financial pillar for the ruling CPP, thus enjoying unfair advantages over its competition.[3]

References
  1. "Cambodia's top ten tycoons". Wikileaks.org. 9 August 2007. Retrieved 2016-07-14.
  2. "Sokimex Founder Sok Kong:Business Ventures Keep Growing". Cambodiadaily.com. 1 February 2008. Retrieved 2016-07-10.
  3. "All that glitters seems to be ... Sokimex". Phnompenhpost.com. 28 April 2000. Retrieved 2016-07-10.
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