CCIFC 2026 AGM: Leadership Transition and Record Growth
- Christophe Gargiulo
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
They were more numerous than usual in the IFC room during the Ordinary General Assembly of the French-Cambodian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Everyone knew that this 2026 edition would not quite resemble the previous ones, with the announced departure of the outgoing president, strongly rising figures, and the election of a new board.
Cyril Girot passes the baton
Cyril Girot opened the session by announcing his departure from the CCIFC and Cambodia. Promoted by VINCI, the group is sending him to manage the seven international airports it operates in the Dominican Republic. A beautiful new professional adventure, but one that obviously prevents him from seeking a new term.
His opening speech lasted about fifteen minutes. No grand lyrical flights, but emphatic thanks. “Thank you for your trust and for the energy you put into serving this business community,” he said, before reflecting on his two years at the head of the chamber.
He spoke of “a community that advances, a team that holds steady, and companies that commit.” Simple words, but ones that seemed to carry weight, and his final sentence summed up the mood of the moment:
“I leave with one conviction: the CCIFC continues on a solid trajectory.”
The outgoing president did not fail to highlight the excellent work done by the CCIFC director, Charles Julliard, a remark greeted with applause.
Positive Indicators
Then came the time for figures. And there, it's hard not to be struck by the regularity of the progress. The CCIFC now has 264 members. That's 20% more than in 2023.
But the figure that really caught attention was new memberships: +45% over the same period. Behind these percentages lies a simple reality: French entrepreneurs continue to settle in Cambodia, and when they arrive, they knock on the chamber's door.
Edouard Bello and Dara N. Van, respectively treasurer and deputy treasurer, then presented the accounts.
Total revenues climbed 19.2%. Good performance, in a context where many organizations struggle to maintain balance. This financial health, they explained, comes from both the increase in members and diversification of revenue sources, with services and partnerships starting to bear fruit.
Another indicator, more political: representation within EuroCham now reaches 60%. Concretely, when the European chambers federation takes a position, the CCIFC weighs more than all the others combined. A situation that brings responsibilities, but also significant influence on business climate issues.
A Busy 2025 Year
The review of the past year took the form of a Prévert inventory. More than twenty events in twelve months. In Phnom Penh, new formats emerged, like “Meet the CEO” encounters or “CCIFC Rendez-vous.”
Breakfasts, lunches, small-group discussions that allow addressing concrete topics without the solemnity of large conferences.
The Inter-Chamber Padel League has become a regular event in just a few months, going beyond the purely sporting framework. Entrepreneurs come to hit the ball, but stay to discuss... sports, business, and more.
Key highlights included the delegation to Guangzhou in May, marking a return to China after difficult years in exchanges. The French Market held its rank, as did the Charity Gala, which donated over $5,000 to local NGOs.
In December, the Business Awards once again spotlighted entrepreneurial journeys, in a much less formal atmosphere than similar Parisian ceremonies.
In Siem Reap, the same dynamic, with different means. Marc Delvallée, deputy treasurer of the section, presented the report with evident pride. The Francophonie Village in November attracted over 15,000 visitors and about fifty exhibitors—not forgetting the arrival of the huge 1970s star, Fabienne Thibault.
The inauguration of the Siem Reap Eco-Hub, a space dedicated to ecology-committed entrepreneurs, was also applauded.
And then there were meetings with the French Ambassador, with the Minister of Tourism... The section proves that serious work can be done away from the capital, with fewer resources.
2026: Year of the Forum
Spotlights will be on the France-Cambodia Business Forum. The event is planned over two days, co-organized with the Cambodian government, the Embassy, and the CCEF. Program: B2B sessions, B2G meetings, panels on infrastructure, agri-food, tourism, technologies...
According to information shared at the general assembly, participation by President Emmanuel Macron is envisaged, very likely accompanied by a delegation of French business leaders.
If confirmed, this presence would place the event at the forefront of the year's economic appointments in the region, with potential fallout in visibility and business opportunities. Organizers expect several hundred participants and hope for concrete announcements on bilateral investments.
Meanwhile, the machine keeps running. The padel league, conferences with the World Bank, thematic breakfasts, the Francophonie Village, the French Market... Everything will be renewed, with the ambition to do even better than last year.
New Board Takes Command
Late in the evening, election results were announced. 79% participation, a score any political leader would envy... Sixteen candidates ran.
Immediately after, the new board met to designate the executive. Pascal Catry takes the presidency. Julien Bert will be vice-president. Cindy Nguyen becomes secretary general again, Vaizoue Huynh deputy secretary. Sylvain Ung will handle treasury, assisted by Dara Van. Finally, Arnaud Darc will represent the chamber at EuroCham.
The team taking command inherits a comfortable situation: sound finances, more members, a clear roadmap. It remains to turn this legacy into concrete achievements. The first months will show if the new team maintains the course while giving its own impetus. But Monday evening, in the room, no one seemed truly worried.
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