From left to right: President of the France-Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFC) Cyril Girot, Ambassador of France to Cambodia Jacques Pellet and Cambodian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) president Kith Meng. Hong Raksmey
The second France-Cambodia Business Forum is set to attract considerable interest from French investors, with a particular focus on the electricity, agriculture, agro-industrial and health sectors in Cambodia, according to an announcement during a press conference held at the French Embassy to Cambodia on June 28.
Ambassador of France to Cambodia Jacques Pellet said that the forum is held every two years, with the first having taken place in 2022. He noted it has already become a crucial event for strengthening bilateral economic ties.
"We have indeed received proposals from Cambodia to invest in the power sector, as well as the agriculture, agro-industry and health sectors," Pellet said at the press conference.
Organised by the France-Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFC) in partnership with the Cambodia Committee of French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF) and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC), and with support from the French Embassy, Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF) International and the Cambodian Oknha Association, the forum will be held from July 8-10.
The event will span three days, with the first two in Phnom Penh and the final day in Sihanoukville. The opening ceremony in the capital will be presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet.
"The business forum will bring together members of the French business community in Cambodia, as well as representatives from French companies operating in the region, who are eager to deepen their understanding of the Cambodian market," said CCIFC president Cyril Girot.
He mentioned that the gathering would encompass a broad range of sectors, including construction and infrastructure, digital technology, healthcare, energy, urban planning, tourism, logistics, transportation, agriculture, agri-food, sustainable development and the environment.
Girot added that key presentations will be made by leaders from relevant ministries, including the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Minister of Mines and Energy, Minister of Health, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Minister in charge of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).
“Trade volume between France and Cambodia reached €1.363 billion [$1.458 billion] in 2023. France is currently Cambodia's second-largest European trading partner, behind Germany,” he said.
According to Girot, French exports to Cambodia in 2023 saw a significant increase of 31% compared to 2022, mainly consisting of agri-food products, pharmaceuticals and metallurgical products.
Cambodian exports to France reached €1.192 billion [$1.275 billion] during the same year, primarily in textiles, agri-food products and bicycles.
French investments in Cambodia, particularly in construction, agro-industry, and services, have also grown, reaching approximately €560 million [$599 million].
The growth is partly attributed to the dynamic network of over 400 French expatriate businesses in the Kingdom, Girot added.
“These figures demonstrate the dynamism of Franco-Cambodian economic relations, benefiting companies in both countries and contributing to Cambodia's economic development,” he said.
The third day of the forum will offer participants the opportunity to discover key economic sites and meet with government representatives in Sihanoukville.
“The [forum] aims to be a catalyst for new bilateral economic collaborations, benefiting the sustainable development of both countries,” said Girot
CCC president Kith Meng echoed the sentiment, highlighting the improving trade relations between the two nations.
He noted the interest of many French investors in Cambodia's burgeoning sectors and the strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries, which have paved the way for new opportunities.
Meng highlighted that the strong relationship between France and Cambodia has been continuously supported by King Norodom Sihamoni and both the former and current prime ministers.
He emphasised that trade is a key pillar of the relationship and expressed his belief that the volume of goods exchanged between the two countries will increase this year.
"France specialises in agriculture and electricity," he said. "What we want from this [event] is new investment projects and the maintenance of current ones."
“From the CCC, we are very happy to co-organise with the [CCIFC] and MECDF. I believe, with the support of the ambassador, this [forum] will become a mechanism to increase trade,” said Meng.
