France and Cambodia: Building the partnership of the next decade

As I begin my two-day official visit to Phnom Penh, my objective is to translate the positive diplomatic momentum between France and Cambodia into concrete and long-term economic achievements. Cambodia is entering a decisive stage in its economic development. As global supply chains are reshaping and Southeast Asia continues to grow in strategic importance, France and Cambodia have a unique opportunity to build a trusted partnership.

This continuous dialogue paves the way for an important milestone: President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Cambodia in the run-up to the Francophonie Summit. Coming 60 years after General de Gaulle’s historic journey to Phnom Penh, and 33 years after President François Mitterrand’s visit in 1993, this event will provide an opportunity to update our bilateral framework, ensuring our economic cooperation aligns with Cambodia’s current development goals.

In a more fragmented global economy, countries need reliable partners. France believes Cambodia can be one of them. France already maintains a solid economic presence in Cambodia, supported by a network of at least 200 companies, entrepreneurs and executives, as well as businesses set up by French citizens living in the country.

Our trade figures show positive trends. In 2025, bilateral trade reached €1.75 billion, a 17.5 % annual increase. However, a recent contraction in trade shows that we must remain proactive. Both governments agree on the need to increase French investments, particularly in infrastructure. The Bakheng water treatment plant illustrates what French companies bring to Cambodia: long-term investment, cutting-edge expertise and sustainable infrastructure. Supported by the French Development Agency (AFD), this project reflects France’s commitment to sustaining Cambodia’s development over the long term. This morning, the first step of my visit to Cambodia will be the new Techo International Airport where I will meet with the French companies involved in its construction and daily management. This long-term commitment to infrastructure development demonstrates how French firms deliver sustainable, high-standard solutions.

We need to expand this practical cooperation into new areas that support Cambodia’s transition towards its goal of becoming an upper-middle income country. During my visit, I will meet my Cambodian counterparts to accelerate joint projects in energy, healthcare and strategic infrastructure. Three sectors that are essential to Cambodia’s long-term development and where French expertise can bring lasting value.

To directly connect our business communities, we are also preparing the 3rd France-Cambodia Business Forum in November, organised by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cambodia and the French Foreign Trade Advisors. Expecting over 400 participants, this forum will allow French and Cambodian executives to establish concrete commercial ties, ensuring our economic relationship continues to deliver practical results for both countries.

Later this year, Phnom Penh will host the 20th Francophonie Summit, the first to be held in Asia in nearly 30 years. It will be a landmark event for the region. The Cambodian government has already mentioned it wishes to highlight the economic dimension, and rightly so: State members of the Francophonie area represent 16% of global GDP and 20% of world trade. These over 90 countries also tend to trade more with one another and integrate better into international markets. Building on this momentum, Cambodia has decided to renew the FrancoTech forum, the first French-language innovation fair originally launched under the French presidency of the Summit. This initiative underscores the critical importance both our nations place on technology as a core driver of a sustainable and sovereign economic development. Furthermore, FrancoTech will serve as a platform to highlight the growing bilateral partnership in the digital economy and artificial intelligence between France and Cambodia.

By focusing on concrete cooperation and shared ambitions, France and Cambodia are building a partnership that looks firmly to the future. This is what Team France in Cambodia is about: bringing together public institutions, development agencies, businesses, investors and entrepreneurs to deliver long-term projects and lasting results. Working hand in hand with the Cambodian authorities and private sector, we are determined to turn ambition into concrete achievements. France does not see Cambodia only as a market, but as a trusted long-term partner whose success is also in our interest. Together, we have an opportunity to open a new chapter in our economic relationship – one that is more innovative, more sustainable and more ambitious.

Nicolas Forissier is French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness.