TRIBUNE – Visiting France this week, the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, HE Sun Chanthol, calls for a strengthening of economic partnerships between the two countries.
HE Sun Chanthol is Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia.
With over a century of history and cultural ties, France has played a central role in Cambodia's development. As Cambodia becomes an economic hub in Southeast Asia, this relationship may reach new heights.
During my visit to France this week, I want to show how, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia has created an environment conducive to international investment, where French companies can thrive and contribute to Cambodia's growth. The innovation and expertise of the French private sector are essential to improve our infrastructure, diversify our industry and become a leader in ecological tourism and renewable energy.
The Cambodian economy has shown impressive resilience and growth, with an expected GDP of 5.8% in 2024 and 6.1% in 2025, supported by strong exports and a favorable business environment. Cambodia, at the heart of Asean, offers direct access to the region's 650 million consumers and global markets through agreements such as RCEP, making our country an ideal gateway for French companies.
Infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges and energy, facilitate logistics and create benefits for regional supply chains. French expertise in construction and transport fits perfectly with Cambodian projects in logistics, hotels and manufacturing. French companies like Vinci Concessions and Total are strengthening these sectors, and CMA CGM, a leader in logistics, is contributing to trade efficiency, meeting Cambodia's needs.
I invite the French business community to rally for a future of mutual growth, as Cambodia's economic climate and commitment to sustainability create fertile ground for partnerships beneficial to both nations.
S.E. Sun Chanthol
As supply chains diversify, Cambodia is becoming a destination of choice for manufacturing and assembly, particularly in electronics, automotive parts and light industries. With competitive labor costs, a young workforce and SEZs offering tax incentives, Cambodia is ready to support French companies to access Asean markets.
French companies have already contributed significantly to Cambodia's growth, proving that investment here is both productive and safe. Companies like Bred Bank, Accor, Lagardère Travel Retail, Decathlon and Pernod Ricard play a vital role in the financial services, hospitality and retail sectors. Accor manages iconic hotels like Sofitel and Raffles, integrating French excellence into our tourism industry. The presence of Bred Bank strengthens our financial sector, and Decathlon, with affordable sports products, as well as Pernod Ricard, respond to the growing demand of Cambodian consumers.
Cambodia is also a renowned tourist destination. Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, and our rainforests attract millions of tourists every year. This makes it an ideal location for French hotel brands, which can seize opportunities in cultural and ecological tourism while prioritizing sustainable development.
In line with global sustainability goals, Cambodia is embracing green growth, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. French investors can benefit from green financing and carbon offset projects. Companies like EDF are already supporting renewable energy initiatives, and Accor, along with other hospitality leaders, is well placed to promote sustainability in tourism.
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Cambodia offers fair conditions to foreign investors, especially for infrastructure projects. The government guarantees transparent decisions, allowing businesses to compete without additional barriers. Through the Cambodia Development Council (CDC), investors benefit from comprehensive support, from the first steps to the completion of projects. This commitment to fairness allows companies like Vinci Concessions and EDF to bid with confidence for infrastructure projects.
Looking to the future, Cambodia's hosting of the Francophonie Summit in 2026 will mark an important milestone and an opportunity to strengthen our ties with French-speaking countries. This event highlights our commitment to strong cultural and economic relations and provides an opportunity for French businesses to participate in Cambodia's journey to a leading position on the global stage.
From infrastructure, energy and finance to agriculture, hospitality, logistics and digital transformation, French companies like Vinci, CMA CGM, Alstom, Total Energies, EDF, Bred Bank, Accor, Lagardère Travel Retail, Decathlon, Pernod Ricard, and many others are well positioned to contribute to Cambodia's growth, based on shared values of innovation and sustainable development. I invite the French business community to join a future of mutual growth, where Cambodia's economic climate and commitment to sustainability create fertile ground for partnerships beneficial to both nations.
