OCIC Group Partners with Global Giants to Elevate Techo International Airport’s Duty-Free Experience

• 19 January 2024
• Local News
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OCIC Group, a pioneering force in Cambodia’s infrastructural development, has announced a landmark collaboration with Lagardère Travel Retail and HSC Group for the management of duty-free services at the upcoming Techo International Airport. Unveiled during Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s official visit to France, this strategic alliance aims to redefine the airport retail experience and enhance global connectivity for Cambodia, according to Freshnews dated 17 January 2024.

The consortium, led by Lagardère Travel Retail and HSC Group, emerged as the preferred bidder following an official ceremony in Paris, marking the initiation of exclusive negotiations. Lim Lina, Vice Chairwoman of CAIC and OCIC Group, along with Dag Rasmussen, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail, Séverine Lanthier, Asia COO & Global Chief Strategy and Development Officer of Lagardère Travel Retail, and Sok Hong, Chairman & CEO of HSC Group, formalised the Letter of Acceptance on 15 January 2024.

Charles Vann, Director of Cambodia Airport Investment Company, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “Through our collaboration with Lagardère Travel Retail and HSC Group as our duty-free concessionaires, we anticipate significant added value for frequent flyers travelling to and from Phnom Penh. We are confident that these initiatives will foster the growth of Phnom Penh’s tourism sector and contribute to the creation of employment opportunities for the local community in the immediate future.”

This partnership underscores OCIC Group’s commitment to nation-building, with an investment of US$1.5 billion dedicated to the first phase of Techo International Airport’s construction. Séverine Lanthier of Lagardère Travel Retail remarked, “Lagardère Travel Retail is committed to making travel more enjoyable. We are looking forward to enhancing Cambodian, South Asian, and international travellers’ airport experience by investing our global know-how and local expertise at Techo International Airport.”

Thierry Tea, Vice-President of OCIC Group, emphasised the significance of introducing innovations in customer experience, stating, “The expertise and international network from which travellers will benefit would position Cambodia as a key player on the Asian regional scene.”

The collaboration between OCIC and Lagardère Travel Retail, a global giant with a presence in 42 countries and a significant foothold in Asia, is poised to revolutionize the airport retail experience at the upcoming Techo International Airport. Lagardère Travel Retail’s extensive experience and success, with a reported 5 billion euros in earnings in 2023, coupled with OCIC’s commitment to fostering strategic alliances, are set to elevate the airport’s duty-free services and contribute to the expansion of global connectivity for Cambodia.

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