Born in Cambodia, Channara has travelled a long way from France to his native country, driven by a deep desire to contribute to the development of his birthplace. An engineer and architect trained in Paris, he shares here his rich professional career and the challenges he has taken on in emblematic projects, while taking a personal look at the development of Phnom Penh and his life beyond work.

France actively supports agriculture for sustainable development in Cambodia, notably through the ‘Healthy Rice’ project, supported by the French Embassy and piloted by the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) in Asia.

On 10 October 2025, the Galerie du Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra will be the setting for a meeting with Awen Delaval, a leading figure in sustainable textile innovation in Cambodia. For an hour and a half, from 5 p.m. to 6.30 p.m., he will share with the public the fascinating odyssey surrounding lotus fibre, a true symbiosis between nature, culture and creativity.

Cambodia's Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has announced a major breakthrough in its strategy to reintegrate migrant workers who have returned from Thailand. More than 300,000 Cambodians have already found jobs in the national labour market, marking a significant step forward in the country's efforts to strengthen its economic and social resilience.

On 7 October 2025, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced the approval of USD 82.5 million in financing for the second phase of the Cambodia Energy Transition Sector Development Programme (ETSDP).

The Waste Summit Cambodia returns in 2025 with renewed ambition and an even more inclusive approach. This year, the event is joining forces with the Cambodia Inclusive and Responsible Business (IRB) Forum, under the aegis of the Sustainable Business Alliance (SBA), to form a regional platform bringing together public and private stakeholders, researchers, start-ups and NGOs around the key themes of waste management, the circular economy, gender equality and climate-resilient

Cambodia confirms its economic attractiveness with significant growth in approved investments in the first nine months of 2025. The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) has approved projects totalling $7.8 billion in fixed asset investments, an impressive 47% increase compared with the same period in 2024, signalling sustained momentum in the national economy.

Since 2 October 2025, Phnom Penh has been hosting Clean Energy Week, a major event illustrating the central role of clean energy in Cambodia's economic competitiveness and industrial growth.

The latest Asian Development Outlook (ADO), published in September 2025 by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), paints a nuanced picture of Cambodia's economic trajectory, oscillating between notable resilience and growing risks that require vigilance and adaptation.

By August 2025, official trade between Cambodia and Thailand had shrunk to a paltry ten million baht, a collapse of 99.9% according to the Thai Department of Foreign Trade. This figure is far from a simple accounting error; it symbolises the end of a vital trade artery that was once worth billions every month.

Last weekend, the Koh Pich exhibition centre was alive with innovation and entrepreneurship at the ‘Khmer Can Do’ event, an ambitious showcase for the dynamism of Cambodian youth and the wealth of their know-how.

On Thursday 25 September 2025, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen received the credentials of Mrs Vivian Loss Sanmartin, Brazil's new ambassador to Cambodia. This ceremony marks a historic milestone in bilateral relations by inaugurating the first Brazilian embassy to be established in the Khmer Kingdom.

In August 2025, following a controversy, two Cambodian companies launched a new national brand: ‘Cambodia Cola’. This local offensive has become a powerful symbol of a burgeoning economic patriotism, appealing to a Cambodian public that is increasingly sensitive to the national cause in a geopolitical context that remains tense.

The special meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee, held in Koh Kong, led to major advances while illustrating the continuing fragility of the situation. The two nations, which have long faced recurring tensions on their land border, opted for institutionalised dialogue and the implementation of concerted actions, against a backdrop of serious incidents at Chok Chey and humanitarian concerns.

At a time when environmental challenges and foreign competition are putting the country's fisheries resources to the test, Cambodia is opting for an innovative identity to protect its fisheries: the ‘Made in Cambodia’ label now stands as a shield for a vital sector, pivotal to the country's food security and economic growth.

Cambodia is increasingly emerging as a land of opportunity for major Chinese textile companies. Four major groups based in Shandong province have recently expressed an interest in developing their activities here, with their sights set on the global fashion and textile markets.

From 26 to 28 September 2025, the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh will be the setting for an emblematic event designed to highlight the talents and creativity of Cambodian craftsmen and entrepreneurs: the ‘Khmer Can Do’ exhibition.

In a border context still marked by military and diplomatic tensions, the President of the Senate, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, surprised everyone by expressing his 'gratitude' for Thailand's decision to keep its borders closed. Paradoxically, this measure would have led to a significant rise in domestic production and increased consumption of Cambodian-made goods.

Last week, Edumalin, the French educational innovation platform specialising in explicit and structured learning, completed a new stage in its mission in South-East Asia.

On 17 September, harrowing videos circulated of the head-on clash between Cambodian civilians, including monks, and Thai forces near Ban Nong Ya Kaew (on the Thai side) and Prey Chan (on the Cambodian side). Tear gas and rubber bullets were fired, resulting in a dramatic toll of 28 casualties, including civilians and monks.

On Wednesday 17 September 2025, more than 180 people gathered at the Élysée Tower on the Koh Pich peninsula to celebrate the return to business and conviviality of the Franco-Khmer business community at the Back to Business Party 2025. This venue, with its very French architecture and atmosphere, provided the ideal setting for what has become a not-to-be-missed event.

South Korean convenience store chain Emart24 continues to strengthen its presence in Cambodia with the recent opening of its seventh outlet in the capital, Phnom Penh. This rapid expansion not only reflects the growing demand among Cambodian consumers for Korean products and culture, but also illustrates the strong momentum of the country's modern retail sector.

Cambodia, a country with a strong rice-growing tradition, is now at the heart of an ecological innovation: the manufacture of rice-based straws. Faced with the growing pollution caused by single-use plastics, local companies like TK&D Manufacturing are working towards a greener future by offering a biodegradable and healthy alternative to plastic straws.

France is consolidating its position as a major economic player in Cambodia, ranking 9ᵉ among foreign direct investor (FDI) countries in the Kingdom. Since 1994, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) has validated 44 Qualified Investment Projects (QIPs) from French companies, totalling a financial commitment of $380 million.