Strengthening the Bridge of Trade: French Industrial Giants Eye Cambodia’s Growing Investment Potential

• 4 February 2026
• Local News
• 1007 Views

Minister Cham Nimul engages with MEDEF International and six major French enterprises in Paris to showcase Cambodia’s legal reforms and business-friendly climate

Cambodia is rapidly positioning itself as a strategic investment destination for European markets, evidenced by a high-level diplomatic and economic mission to France. In recent last January 2026, Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, held a significant meeting in Paris with François Corbin, Vice President of MEDEF International (the French Business Confederation), along with representatives from six prominent French corporations. This dialogue marks a critical step in the government’s efforts to diversify its international trade partnerships and attract sophisticated industrial expertise to the Kingdom.

During the session, the French business delegation expressed a strong interest in expanding their existing operations or establishing new footprints in Cambodia. The representatives noted Cambodia’s remarkable economic progress and sought deep insights into the latest updates regarding trade laws, regulations, and investment incentives that have been implemented to foster a transparent and secure business environment. This surge in interest follows recent diplomatic efforts to elevate Cambodia-France relations to a “Strategic Partnership,” focusing on key sectors such as energy, water management, and high-tech manufacturing.

Minister Cham Nimul provided a comprehensive overview of the Royal Government’s proactive measures to streamline trade and investment. She emphasized the readiness of the Ministry of Commerce and relevant institutions to provide end-to-end facilitation for French investors, particularly those focusing on sustainable development and technology transfer. The Minister also highlighted Cambodia’s strategic location within the ASEAN region and its participation in major free trade agreements as a significant advantage for French firms looking to access larger regional markets.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to further strengthen cooperation across all sectors, from infrastructure to specialized services. By bridging the gap between Cambodian policy and French industrial capability, both nations aim to unlock new economic opportunities that will benefit their respective citizens. As Cambodia prepares for its next phase of industrialization, the involvement of major French enterprises like those represented at MEDEF International is expected to play a vital role in enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness.

It is worth recalling that in relation to this investment, in 2025, Cambodia received 630 investment projects with a total investment capital of approximately $10 billion and could create approximately 438,000 jobs. CDC said that of these investment projects, 387 are located outside the special economic zones and 243 are located in the special economic zones. This is according to a report from the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) on January 5, 2025. (Read more)

• Business and Market
• Investments
• MoC
• MEDEF