French official: Cambodian investment and trade expected to grow
Nicolas Forissier addresses a a press conference at the French embassy in Cambodia. Hin Pisei
Nicolas Forissier, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, has shared his optimism that bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and France will continue to grow, particularly in terms of trade relations and French direct investment.
Forissier paid a July 9-10 visit to Cambodia, with the objective of enhancing trade and investment ties between the two countries. The visit formed part of preparations for French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to Cambodia to attend the 20th Francophonie Summit in November.
Speaking at a July 10 press conference at the French Embassy in Cambodia, Forissier said France is keen to see more of its companies expand their direct investment in Cambodia. As of the end of 2024, French investment in Cambodia totalled approximately $692 million.
He stated that that he would personally work to encourage more French investors to enter the Cambodian market through the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cambodia (CCIFC).
Phnom Penh will host the 20th Francophonie Summit on November 15–16. The summit is expected to bring together the French president, as well as other leaders from French-speaking countries.
“Through the upcoming Francophonie Summit, which Cambodia will host, we hope to attract even more French investors to make direct investments in Cambodia,” Forissier said.
According to him, more than 200 French companies currently operate in Cambodia across a wide range of sectors, including energy, transport, airport management, finance, healthcare and construction.
He also expressed hopes that French airlines would study the feasibility of launching direct flights to Cambodia in the future.
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), bilateral trade between Cambodia and France reached $322.83 million in the first half of 2026, an increase of 12.9% compared with the same period in 2025.
Exports totalled $259.11 million, up 13.5%, while imports amounted to $63.72 million, an increase of 10.5%. France is Cambodia’s 16th-largest trading partner.
For the whole of 2025, two-way trade between the two countries reached $568.74 million, up 11.7% from 2024. Cambodia exported $447.52 million worth of goods to France, an increase of 12.5%, while imports totalled $121.21 million, up 9%.
Forissier noted that France could provide relevant historical documents related to the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute if necessary, but stressed that France would not interfere in the internal affairs of either country. He added that France sincerely hopes to see peace restored between Cambodia and Thailand.
During his visit, Forissier held meetings with several senior Cambodian officials, including the Minister of Commerce, the Minister of Mines and Energy, and representatives of the Ministry of Health, among others.
-Phnom Penh Post-
