PHNOM PENH, June 7 (FN) — The Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) on Tuesday hosted a conference here with the aim of encouraging potential companies to list on the nascent bourse, officials said.

The one-day conference was attended by representatives from about 200 potential firms, said CSX's chief executive officer Hong Sok Hour.

"It aims to tell potential companies about the advantages of listing on the stock market," he said.

Economy and Finance Minister Aun Porn Moniroth said that despite strong incentives from the government for listed companies, there have been only four companies listed on the bourse since it was launched four years ago.

"I notice that private firms that have listed on the CSX are foreign companies, so I think that foreign companies have more understanding about the long-term benefits of listing on the stock market than domestic companies," he said.

The minister added that in the context of open and free economy, competition was very tough, so stock market would provide a good opportunity for companies to mobilize capital for business expansion in a long term.

Launched in 2012, CSX is a joint venture between the Cambodian government holding 55 percent of the stakes and the Korean Exchange owning the remaining 45 percent.

Four firms listed on the bourse are two state-run enterprises - -Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority and Phnom Penh Autonomous Port, and two private firms — garment maker Grand Twins International and Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone.