|
IN BRIEF
|
Visiting Phnom Penh THE July 9 and 10, 2026, Nicolas Forissier carried the ambition of a exemplary cooperation between France and Cambodia, transforming fine speeches into concrete projects.
On the agenda, an agreement Semmaris–WorldBridge for one wholesale fresh produce market, clues in theenergy (hydropower, solar power, waste recovery), and opportunities for theagri-food and the infrastructure — a way to blend local flavors and French know-how.
He also announced the holding of a Business Forum in November, gathering nearly 400 participants, in preparation for the Francophonie Summit which should give an economic spotlight to this cooperation.
On sensitive issues, the minister reiterated his commitment to compliance with international standards, to human rights and to a resolution peaceful regional disputes.
During a visit to Phnom Penh on July 9th and 10th, 2026, Nicolas Forissier, French Minister of Foreign trade, has laid the groundwork for a clear ambition: to transform a long-standing diplomatic relationship into tangible economic projects. Between the signing of agreements, discussions on energy and preparations for the Francophonie Summit In November, his trip illustrates the desire to make the France-Cambodia cooperation a pragmatic and sustainable model.
A strategic visit to Phnom Penh
The minister opened his remarks by emphasizing the symbolic and practical importance of his trip. Delighted to be in Phnom Penh, he placed this visit within a broader diplomatic context, following recent high-level exchanges—notably the meeting between Emmanuel Macron and the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Paris on April 8, 2026. These meetings prepare for the presidential visit planned for November and serve as a springboard for future economic projects.
To place this regional and international context in context, one can read further analyses on the dynamics in Southeast Asia, such as the articles published by Southeast Asia or in-depth coverage by the local and French press (The Little Journal).
Rungis meets Phnom Penh: a wholesale market to boost supply chains
Semmaris, market manager of Rungisand the Cambodian group WorldBridge signed an agreement aimed at creating a wholesale market dedicated to fresh produce in Cambodia. This project is presented by the minister as a lever to structure local sectors, improve health standards and open up export prospects.
The practical dimension of this partnership is essential: it’s not simply about transferring a model, but about adapting practices to Cambodian realities to develop production, processing, and marketing. For a media perspective, see the coverage of Gavroche Thailand and the report from the French community in Cambodia (French in Cambodia).
Business Forum and Francophonie Summit: a calendar for action
The presidential visit announced for November will be accompanied by the third France-Cambodia Business Forum, organized with the Franco-Cambodian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Approximately 400 participants are expected for a meeting designed as a launchpad for investment projects and strengthened trade exchanges.
The Summit of the French-speaking He himself is seen as an economic lever, not just a cultural one: Forissier pointed out that this area represents a significant share of global GDP and international trade, which opens up opportunities to mobilize investors and skills. To place this summit in a broader context, the local and international business press closely followed the preparations (CambodiaMag).
Energy and infrastructure: the French options on the table
In terms of energy, discussions with the Cambodian Ministry of Mines and Energy have allowed us to explore several avenues: hydroelectricity, waste recoverySolar, wind, and even civilian nuclear power should be considered, but with a cautious approach. Forissier stressed the need for in-depth studies and coordination that respects local realities and communities.
France is offering its technical and financial expertise to combine several energy sources and improve energy security in Cambodia. Projects still need to be defined, but the intention to move forward is clear and is part of a broader regional dynamic, analyzed by specialized media (Southeast Asia).
Agri-food, health and processing: sectors with strong potential
Besides energy, the agri-food industry is cited as a concrete priority: strengthening processing, packaging, and value chains can create jobs and added value locally. The signing with Semmaris perfectly illustrates this type of integrated approach.
The minister also mentioned cooperation in the health and the infrastructureoffering French technical and financial support for long-term partnerships. These projects aim to reconcile economic development with respect for international standards.
French companies: mobilizing to turn promises into reality
Forissier called for the mobilization of French private sector actors in Cambodia, believing that the presence and initiative of French companies can be amplified. “We can do much better,” he stated, highlighting the importance of economic networks and foreign trade advisors in facilitating connections.
The November Business Forum will provide an opportunity to realize these ambitions by connecting local projects with foreign investors. Regional comparative analyses (for example, on Vietnam-Brazil cooperation or other ASEAN dynamics) offer valuable lessons for Cambodia: see Southeast Asia And Southeast Asia.
International standards and human rights: a shared requirement
Regarding the obligations of French companies abroad, Forissier reiterated the commitment to international standards and social rules, in particular the fight against child laborHe advocated for a gradual approach, based on dialogue and cooperation, to integrate these issues into economic projects without breaking existing partnerships.
The French strategy is part of a logic of predictability and legal certainty, with the aim of building sustainable and responsible partnerships. Official information on the visit and its announcements is available through the Cambodian news agency (AKP) and other media.
Regional relations and dispute management
Asked about border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, the minister clearly stated that France does not intend to interfere in bilateral negotiations, while supporting peaceful means and the possible provision of archives on border demarcations if this can help to resolve the dispute permanently.
This stance illustrates French diplomatic prudence, which prefers to support regional stability by backing peaceful settlement processes — an orientation echoed and commented on in the specialized press (Southeast Asia, CambodiaMag).
Photo: Aurélie Fischer — a snapshot that illustrates the fast pace of this visit, between official meetings and signing of agreements.
To delve deeper into regional issues and the dynamics of trade cooperation, readers can consult dossiers such as these reports and the institutional reports available online (French in Cambodia, Gavroche).
FAQ — Nicolas Forissier in Phnom Penh: towards strengthened cooperation
Q: Who came to Phnom Penh on July 9 and 10, 2026 and why was this visit important?
A: Nicolas Forissier, French Minister of Foreign trade, went to Phnom Penh to turn words into concrete projects, prepare for the visit ofEmmanuel Macron planned in November 2026 during the Francophonie Summit France and the Cambodia.
What main message did the minister want to convey?
A: He stressed the need to move from a solid relationship to concrete achievements, by building lasting partnerships bringing predictability And security for both countries.
Q: What specific project was signed during the visit?
A: An agreement was signed between Semmaris (market manager of Rungis) and the Cambodian group WorldBridge to create a wholesale market dedicated to fresh produce Cambodiaaiming to structure the sectors and improve the health standards.
Q: Why is this wholesale market important for Cambodia?
A: It must promote the development of Cambodian production sectors, support thefood industry, encourage exports and help in the establishment of international standards for fresh produce.
Q: What is planned for November 2026 in Phnom Penh?
A: The presidential visit will be accompanied by the third France-Cambodia Business Forum, organized with the France-Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and Industrywhich should bring together approximately 400 participants to stimulate trade and investment projects.
Q: What sectors of cooperation were mentioned outside of agri-food?
A: The minister mentioned theenergy (of which hydroelectricity and valuation of waste), THE renewable energies (solar, wind), the health and the infrastructure, with French technical and financial support for the transformation and the packaging local products.
Q: Have any concrete energy projects already been decided upon?
A: No: studies are underway for important projects in hydroelectricity and valorization of wasteFrance offers its expertise in several energy sectors and insists on the need for coordination that respects the local communities.
Q: What is France’s position on the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute?
A: France does not want to impose itself in bilateral discussions but supports a peaceful settlementShe can, if necessary, make her archives on border lines to help with dialogue.
Q: What requirements were reiterated to French companies operating in Cambodia?
A: Companies are encouraged to comply with the international standardsthe fight against child labor and social rules. The minister advocated a gradual approach based on the dialogue and cooperation.
Q: How is the French-speaking world promoted in this economic partnership?
A: THE Francophonie Summit is seen as an economic lever: the Francophonie has a significant impact on the Global GDP and the international tradeand the theme of the summit (peace, stability, shared prosperity) aligns with the objective of building lasting partnerships.
Q: Does the minister plan to return to monitor the projects?
A: Yes, Nicolas Forissier expressed his intention to return in order toensure follow-up