Meeting of Francophone entrepreneurs in 2026: Cambodia's vision for a resilient and inclusive Francophone economic space

During a historic announcement made at the 5th edition of the Meeting of Entrepreneurs of the Francophonie (5th REF), held from June 26 to 28, 2025, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, H.E. Mr. SUN Sovanna, Secretary of State, representing H.E. Mr. PRAK Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, announced that Cambodia would host the 6th REF.

The 5th REF was a prestigious event that brought together more than a thousand influential figures, including decision-makers from the public and private sectors, representatives of international organizations, and leading business executives from the French-speaking world.

This major event demonstrates Cambodia's growing importance within the French-speaking economic community and its commitment to strengthening economic ties between French-speaking countries.

A prestigious gathering of French-speaking leaders and business innovators

The event was honored by the presence of H.E. Denis Sassou N'Guesso, President of the Republic of Congo, H.E. Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), and H.E. Thani Mohamed Soilihi, Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships of France. Together, these dignitaries highlighted the essential role of the REF as a platform for addressing development challenges, strengthening value chains, and promoting innovation and collaboration among Francophone economies.

During the opening ceremony, the President of the Republic of the Congo, along with the Secretary General of the OIF and the French Minister Delegate, warmly congratulated Cambodia on its upcoming role as host of the 20th Francophonie Summit in 2026, highlighting the country's growing influence within the Francophone community.

Cambodia's vision for a resilient and inclusive Francophone economic space

In his closing speech, H.E. SUN Sovanna praised the successful organization of the 5th REF and highlighted its significant contribution to promoting economic exchanges within the Francophonie. He reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to cultivating a more resilient and inclusive economic space, open to innovation and sustainable growth.

One of the highlights of Cambodia's vision is the planned creation of the Francophone Economic Cooperation Office (BCEF) in Cambodia, which is expected to be launched after the 20th Francophonie Summit. This office aims to serve as a dynamic hub for strengthening economic partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on innovation, digital technologies, and youth training, which are essential areas for the economic future.

H.E. SUN Sovanna cordially invited all Francophone economic actors to actively participate in the 6th REF in Cambodia, promising a dynamic forum for dialogue and cooperation in 2026.

Strengthening trade relations between Cambodia and France: a growing economic partnership

Cambodia's commitment to the French-speaking world is not only diplomatic, but also deeply economic. Trade between Cambodia and France, a cornerstone of the French-speaking economic network, has grown steadily in recent years.

According to the latest data from the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce, the volume of bilateral trade between Cambodia and France reached approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 7% over the previous year. The main sectors driving this trade are textiles and clothing, agricultural products, and emerging technology services.

France remains one of Cambodia's main European trading partners and a major investor, with French companies actively involved in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and tourism. Upcoming Francophonie events are expected to further strengthen these economic ties by facilitating the creation of new partnerships and joint ventures.

Supporting momentum ahead of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Siem Reap

On the sidelines of the 5th REF, H.E. SUN Sovanna met with numerous representatives from the private sector to rally their support for the economic and trade activities planned for the 20th Francophonie Summit, which Cambodia will host in Siem Reap next year.

 These preparatory discussions underscore Cambodia's proactive approach, which aims to leverage the summit as a platform for economic diplomacy and regional integration within the Francophone community.

Key player

Cambodia's upcoming role as host of the 6th Meeting of Francophone Entrepreneurs and the 20th Francophonie Summit marks an important step in its journey toward becoming a key player in Francophone economic cooperation. Through strategic initiatives such as the BCEF and its focus on innovation and youth empowerment, Cambodia is well positioned to deepen its economic ties with Francophone countries and contribute significantly to a more interconnected and prosperous Francophone economic space.