Cambodia, France Prepare Third Business Forum as Bilateral Trade Grows

PHNOM PENH, June 25, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and France are intensifying preparations for the Third Cambodia‑France Business Forum, scheduled for November, as bilateral trade continues to expand, officials said Wednesday.

Commerce Secretary of State Samheng Bora led a ministry delegation in talks with Emmanuel Ly‑Batallan, economic counsellor at the French Embassy, representatives of the France‑Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFC) and French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF) to review arrangements for the forum.

The event is expected to serve as a key platform for promoting trade, investment and business collaboration between Cambodian and French companies, while creating new opportunities for economic cooperation.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade reached USD 267 million in the first five months of 2026, representing a 15.1 percent increase compared with the same period last year. Cambodian exports totaled USD 213 million, up 14.5 percent, while imports from France stood at USD 53 million, rising 17.8 percent.

Officials said the positive momentum reflects the growing strength of Cambodia‑France commercial relations and provides a solid foundation for expanding partnerships through the upcoming forum. In 2025, total bilateral trade reached USD 568 million, marking an 11.7 percent increase compared with 2024.

The ministry added that the forum will highlight opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, services and innovation, underscoring France’s role as a key European partner in Cambodia’s economic diversification.