MEDEF International and Business France: Catalysts for a new era of cooperation in Cambodia

Cambodia recently welcomed a large business delegation led by MEDEF International, in partnership with Business France. The aim was to consolidate economic and commercial relations between France and the Kingdom, in a regional context marked by sustained growth and increased competition for access to emerging markets in South-East Asia.

During the reception at the French Embassy. Photo Aurélie Fischer

This mission is part of a regional dynamic that also includes Malaysia and Vietnam, and aims to position French companies in a Cambodian market that is undergoing major changes. The priority sectors identified are energy, infrastructure, digitalisation and vocational training, all strategic areas for the country's modernisation and sustainable development.

Techo International Airport: a symbol of cooperation

The highlight of the visit was when the delegation - led by the French Ambassador and accompanied by the President of the French Foreign Trade Advisors - discovered the new Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh. This major project, worth several billion dollars, illustrates the upmarket nature of Cambodian infrastructure and the involvement of French and Franco-Cambodian players.

Designed to handle 13 million passengers in its first phase, with plans to expand to 50 million by 2050, the airport is a showcase for bilateral cooperation. For the French Embassy, this is a strong signal that French expertise is making a direct contribution to the modernisation of the region's infrastructure, and that solid industrial partnerships are in place.

Strengthened economic prospects

For François Corbin, Chairman of the France-Cambodia Council of MEDEF International, this mission represents much more than a diplomatic exercise:

"It provides an opportunity to establish direct contact with the Cambodian authorities and key decision-makers, in a country committed to diversifying its economic partnerships. France, with the strength of its expertise, intends to support this transformation with a view to mutually beneficial cooperation".

This approach builds on the achievements of the 2024 France-Cambodia Business Forum and Prime Minister Hun Manet's visit to France the same year, two milestones that had already consolidated a climate of trust and paved the way for a growing flow of investment and trade.

Business France and operational support for companies

Alongside MEDEF International, Business France played a decisive role, orchestrating a programme of B2B meetings and field visits. Targeted support for companies enabled them to identify new value chains, understand specific regulatory requirements and encourage the signing of long-term partnerships in a competitive environment.

Cambodia, a booming market

With sustained economic growth, massive investment in infrastructure and a clear strategy in favour of renewable energy, Cambodia is becoming increasingly attractive. The prospect of the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh should further raise the country's profile within the French-speaking world and generate new economic opportunities.

According to Arnaud Darc, Foreign Trade Advisor and CEO of the Thalias Group, "the MEDEF International and Business France delegation's visit to Cambodia should be seen as more than just a protocol meeting. It is a step in the patient construction of an economic bridge between France and the Kingdom. Cambodia is changing fast, and its infrastructure, energy and digitalization reflect a clear ambition: to become a sustainable part of the ASEAN regional dynamic".

"In this movement, French companies have a unique card to play: combining technological know-how, industrial rigour and cultural respect. The new Techo International Airport is a tangible demonstration of this: an infrastructure that speaks of modernity and cooperation. Our responsibility is to transform these symbols into concrete value chains: jobs, training, shared innovation. The spirit that should guide our partnerships is one of reciprocity: France brings its experience, Cambodia offers its dynamism and its regional roots.

"I see this as an opportunity to write a new page together, where economic development is not a slogan, but a daily practice in the service of shared prosperity.

France in action in Cambodia: a successful economic mission

According to Soreasmey Key Bin, CEO of Confluences, "the recent French economic mission to Phnom Penh delivered brilliantly, despite a last-minute change of programme. Thanks to the tenacity of Business France ASEAN Pacific and MEDEF International, the initiative was able to take place under the best possible conditions, to the acclaim of all the participating companies.

A dynamic and cooperative event, the mission included high-level institutional meetings, coordinated with the French Embassy. It was also an opportunity to welcome the new ambassador, Olivier Richard, who has an ambitious vision for strengthening the French presence in Cambodia and bringing major projects to fruition.

As part of this partnership, Confluences supported the work of the Business France teams in coordinating the ten registered companies, as well as organising two B2B missions for Spirit France Diffusion and Saint-Gobain PAM Canalisation. Several other companies, including Edumalin, MATIÈRE, Club Med and Asendia, also benefited from close support, the latter being represented by Senthil Kumar at the 2nd Digital Trade Forum, organised by the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce.

The event also owed its success to the involvement of Confluences' staff - Dara, Cheathida and Phaninh - who arranged dozens of strategic meetings in record time.

TeamFrance was in full force, and Sophie Sidos, President of French Foreign Trade Advisors, was on hand for a family photo. All of which augurs well for a strong French presence at the 2026 Francophonie Summit.".

Cooperation based on sustainability and innovation

Over and above the strictly economic issues at stake, this mission reflects a desire to build a partnership based on shared values: innovation, skills training and respect for sustainable development.

The joint MEDEF International and Business France mission to Cambodia in September 2025 is a key step in strengthening bilateral economic relations. It paves the way for a new era of investment, strategic cooperation and shared prosperity between France and Cambodia.