France, ninth foreign direct investor in Cambodia: A key role with 44 projects approved since 1994

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.

At a meeting between H.E. Nut-Un Voanra, Deputy Secretary General of the CDC, and a French delegation led by Mr François Corbin, France reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Cambodian development.

These investments represent not only financial flows, but also a significant transfer of technology and know-how and a stimulation of the entrepreneurial spirit, contributing to the modernisation and diversification of the Cambodian economy.

Ranking of foreign investors in Cambodia

On the Cambodian scene, France's position as an investor is remarkable but remains modest compared with the Asian giants. Indeed, China remains well in the lead, accounting for almost 49.8% of foreign investment in 2024, followed by local Cambodia (33.8%) and Vietnam.

Countries such as South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand round out the top foreign backers. In this context, France's 9ᵉ position illustrates a strategic role among major European countries, where it is listed as the EU's leading investor in Cambodia.

A strengthened economic and diplomatic relationship

Recent exchanges between Cambodian and French representatives bear witness to a shared desire to strengthen this dynamic. A meeting between H.E. Nut-Un Voanra, Deputy Secretary General of the CDC, and a French delegation led by Mr François Corbin reaffirmed France's commitment to supporting Cambodian development.

This economic cooperation is part of a series of bilateral events, including the Cambodia-France 2024 Business Forum in Paris, as well as preparations for the important 2026 Francophonie Summit in Siem Reap.

French investment is focused on key sectors such as infrastructure, agribusiness, energy, logistics and trade, where French companies have recognised expertise. France contributes not only to economic development but also to job creation and skills transfer, which are essential factors in achieving Cambodia's ambitious goals of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050.

Future prospects and investment opportunities

The business climate and administrative reforms undertaken by the Cambodian government, including accelerated approval procedures and tax incentives, are making the country more attractive to foreign investors.

In addition to the Asian economic heavyweights, France continues to deploy an active network of more than 400 companies in Cambodia, seeking to seize the opportunities of robust growth estimated at nearly 6% for 2025.

Emerging sectors such as civil aviation, logistics infrastructure, renewable energies and retail offer a wide field of cooperation for French companies. Further strengthening of trade and investment ties is an important lever in the bilateral medium-term strategy, paving the way for a lasting economic partnership.