AKP Phnom Penh, July 06, 2025 —

On behalf of H.E. Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, H.E. Secretary of State SUN Sovanna attended the 5th Edition of the Francophonie Entrepreneur Meeting (5th REF) held from June 26 to 28, 2025 in Brazzaville, the Republic of the Congo, where he announced Cambodia's hosting of the 6th REF in 2026.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the 5th REF was graced by H.E. Denis SASSOU N'GUESSO, President the Republic of the Congo. H.E. Ms. Louise MUSHIKIWABO, Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) and H.E. Thani Mohamed Soilihi, Minister Delegate in charge of La Francophonie and International Partnerships of the French Republic were among dignitaries attending this major event. More than one thousand high-level public and private decision-makers, representatives from international institutions, and business leaders come together to exchange views on development challenges, strengthening value chains, and fostering innovation and collaboration among business stakeholders within the French-speaking world.

During a brief exchange with Cambodian delegation at the opening ceremony, the President of the Republic of the Congo, OIF Secretary General and French Minister Delegate, congratulated Cambodia on hosting of the 20th Francophon Summit in 2026. 

Addressing the closing of the 5th REF, H.E. SUN Sovanna applauded the successful organisation of the 5th REF and emphasised REF significant contribution to boosting economic exchanges in the Francophonie sphere. He affirmed Cambodia's commitment to enhancing a more resilient and inclusive Francophone economic space.

H.E. SUN Sovanna apprised delegates to the 5th REF of Cambodia's intention to establish a Francophone Economic Cooperation Office (BCEF) in Cambodia, following the 20th Francophonie Summit, with a view to strengthen Francophone economic partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on innovation, digital technology and youth training. He invited the participation from all French-speaking economic players at the 6th REF in Cambodia next year.

On the sidelines of the 5th REF, H.E. Sun Sovanna met several representatives of the private sector to mobilise support for the upcoming Francophonie economic and business activities to be organised during the 20th Francophonie Summit in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

By C. Nika