La French Tech Phnom Penh and CambodiaTrade.com join forces to help Cambodian businesses go international

La French Tech Phnom Penh and CambodiaTrade.com have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that sets out an initial framework for cooperation to help Cambodian start-ups, SMEs and exporters access international technology and know-how, meet new partners and investors, and expand into new markets.

La French Tech Phnom Penh and CambodiaTrade.com have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that sets out an initial framework for cooperation to help Cambodian start-ups, SMEs and exporters access international technology and know-how, meet new partners and investors, and expand into new markets.

The cooperation was announced at the third edition of the Cambodia Digital Trade Forum & Online Expo, held over three days at Koh Pich Expo. The event brought together entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, investors, tech companies and public institutions.

The Forum was officially opened by H.E. Mrs CHAM Nimul, Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia. It drew large numbers of visitors and hosted 180 booths showcasing start-ups, SMEs, digital technologies and solutions, as well as Cambodian products.

The signing ceremony was presided over by H.E. Mrs CHAM Nimul. The MoU was signed by Mr Thierry Tea, Co-President of La French Tech Phnom Penh, and H.E. Mrs Chea Ratha, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce.

Several representatives of the international community attended the ceremony, including the Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Canada, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy, and a representative of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Combining Cambodian roots with international digital expertise

The partnership brings together the complementary strengths of the two organisations. CambodiaTrade.com offers Cambodian businesses and products a platform for visibility and market access. La French Tech Phnom Penh, for its part, brings talent, digital expertise, technological skills and an international network of companies, entrepreneurs, investors and partners.

Through its links with the global La French Tech network, the Phnom Penh community will be able to facilitate exchanges between Cambodian businesses and partner companies based in France, Europe and other international markets.

The partnership will give CambodiaTrade.com more direct access to technology and digital expertise from French and international partners. It will also allow the platform to widen its network of technology companies, investors, distributors and buyers.

The aim is to give Cambodian businesses practical ways to grow internationally: finding potential partners and buyers, better understanding new markets, accessing technology and specialist expertise, and joining international business programmes and networks.

“Our goal is to help Cambodian businesses build new partnerships and grow internationally. CambodiaTrade.com knows the needs of local businesses well, while La French Tech Phnom Penh brings its digital expertise and international network. Together, we can open up new opportunities for Cambodian businesses and raise the profile of the Cambodian market among French and international partners.” Thierry Tea, Co-President of La French Tech Phnom Penh

An initial framework for cooperation

The MoU signed at the Cambodia Digital Trade Forum sets out an initial framework for cooperation. It will allow the two organisations to jointly identify priority sectors and markets, as well as the first actions to be taken.

Over the coming months, the partners will explore further projects and could put in place a broader strategic partnership, notably around FrancoTech and the France–Cambodia Business Forum.

Cooperation could include business-to-business meetings, support programmes for start-ups and SMEs, and exchanges of expertise in technology and digital transformation. The partners are also considering trade missions, meetings with investors and large companies, and joint participation in international events.

About La French Tech Phnom Penh

La French Tech Phnom Penh is a non-profit community that represents the French government’s La French Tech initiative in Cambodia. Affiliated with CCI France Cambodge, it is supported by the French Embassy in Cambodia and Expertise France. It brings together some sixty companies and start-ups active in fields including fintech, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, edtech, healthtech and logistics. It is part of the international La French Tech network, which counts more than 125 communities in 57 countries.

About CambodiaTrade.com

CambodiaTrade.com is a digital trade platform created by the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia to promote Cambodian products, make it easier for businesses to access markets, and help the country’s SMEs grow both in Cambodia and internationally.