AKP Phnom Penh, July 13, 2026—

Cambodia and France have pledged to significantly deepen their economic and trade ties, moving toward major joint initiatives in clean energy and healthcare ahead of an upcoming historic state visit by French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron.

The commitment was solidified during a July 10 meeting between Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, H.E. Academician Aun Pornmoniroth, and H.E. Nicolas Forissier, the visiting French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness. A ministry statement released Monday detailed the expanding roadmap for the two nations' bilateral relationship.

Rather than relying solely on traditional development aid, the discussions pivoted sharply toward concrete, high-impact infrastructure and private sector partnerships. The two sides agreed to fast-track coordination on three landmark projects:
The development of the Cambodia-France University Hospital; A major Waste-to-Energy initiative; A Hydroelectric Energy Storage project designed to bolster Cambodia's clean energy capacity.

H.E. Aun Pornmoniroth highly valued France’s enduring friendship and its critical role in Cambodia’s reconstruction. He noted that through the French Development Agency (AFD), France continues to provide vital Official Development Assistance (ODA) across sectors ranging from clean water and vocational training to rural development and tourism.

The economic tightening comes at a strategic moment. Both officials emphasized that the upcoming official state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Cambodia will mark a historic turning point, officially elevating bilateral relations to a new high level.

Additionally, France pledged close cooperation to ensure the success of Cambodia's hosting of the upcoming Francophonie Summit, highlighting the Kingdom's growing multilateral role within the global French-speaking community.

To capitalize on this diplomatic momentum, both nations are actively structuring new frameworks for investment promotion, business matchmaking, and targeted support to help expand the reach of Cambodian products into European markets.

By Phal Sophanith