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Cambodia-France Business Forum 2026 — the must-attend business event for French-speaking expats

On November 16-17 in Phnom Penh, the third Cambodia-France Business Forum brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and institutions for two days of networking and concrete opportunities.

business

Updated 2026-09-04 5 min

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In short

  • The third Cambodia-France Business Forum takes place on November 16-17, 2026 in Phnom Penh, organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the CCIFC.
  • A memorandum of understanding was signed to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
  • Two days of conferences, sector-specific roundtables, and networking sessions for French-speaking entrepreneurs.
  • Registration through the CCIFC; spots are limited and the detailed program is published a few weeks before the event.
3rd
Edition
300+ expected
Attendees
Phnom Penh
Location
Varies by status
Cost

About the Cambodia-France Business Forum

The Cambodia-France Business Forum returns for a third edition, led by Cambodia's Ministry of Commerce and the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cambodia (CCIFC). The stated goal: strengthen economic ties between the two countries and open concrete doors for French-speaking companies already established or in the prospecting phase.

  • Date: November 16-17, 2026
  • Audience: entrepreneurs, investors, SME executives, consultants, and French-speaking expats interested in the Cambodian market
  • Location: Phnom Penh (exact venue announced by the CCIFC closer to the event)
  • Group size: several hundred attendees expected, from both institutions and the private sector
  • Cost: pricing varies by status (CCIFC member, non-member, student); registration required

Two-day program

The detailed program is published by the CCIFC a few weeks before the opening. Here is the typical structure from previous editions, for reference.

TimeActivityDetails
8:00 – 9:00 AMWelcome and registrationBadge, coffee, first walk-through
9:00 – 10:30 AMOpening ceremonySpeeches from the Ministry of Commerce and the CCIFC
10:45 AM – 12:30 PMSector roundtablesAgri-food, logistics, tech, tourism, energy
12:30 – 2:00 PMNetworking lunchSeated meal, informal exchanges between participants
2:00 – 5:00 PMWorkshops and B2BTargeted meetings, project presentations
6:00 – 9:00 PMClosing cocktailRelaxed networking, informal introductions

How to take part in the next edition

Access is by advance registration. Here is how to make sure you don't miss out.

  1. Step 1: Follow the official CCIFC Cambodia page to find out when registration opens.
  2. Step 2: Check your status (CCIFC member, non-member, student) to know the applicable rate.
  3. Step 3: Fill out the online registration form as soon as it's published; spots are limited.
  4. Step 4: Confirm your attendance by email and pay the fees according to the instructions provided.
  5. Step 5: Prepare your 30-second pitch and a business card or contact QR code.
  6. Step 6: Arrive early on the first day for registration and to choose your sessions.
  7. Step 7: Note the contacts you made and follow up within 48 hours after the event.

What to bring

  • Business cards — the forum is above all a place for making connections; bring about thirty.
  • Contact QR code — a handy alternative for quick exchanges on Telegram or LinkedIn.
  • Written 30-second pitch — to introduce yourself clearly during breaks and workshops.
  • Laptop or tablet — useful for taking notes and checking the program in real time.
  • Business casual attire — the institutional setting calls for a polished appearance.
  • Reusable water bottle — the days are long and the rooms are air-conditioned.
  • Payment method — for lunch, transport, or any on-site fees.
  • Printed or PDF program — to spot priority sessions without relying on wifi.

Similar events in Siem Reap

If you're based in Siem Reap, several local gatherings let you stay in touch with the French-speaking and expat business community throughout the year.

  • Monthly CCIFC meetings — regular gatherings in Phnom Penh and sometimes Siem Reap, open to members and non-members.
  • Cambodia Business Networking Siem Reap — informal groups of business owners and freelancers who meet over a drink.
  • Job and training fairs — occasional events organized by chambers of commerce and local universities.
  • Digital nomad meetups in Siem Reap — regular gatherings for freelancers and digital entrepreneurs.
  • Angkor Sankranta and regional economic forums — major annual events where business networking meets culture.

Frequently asked questions

Is the forum open to non-members of the CCIFC?
Yes, registration is generally open to non-members, at a higher rate than for members. It's advisable to check the exact terms on the official CCIFC page before registering.
Do I need to speak French to attend?
Exchanges take place mainly in French and English. Most speakers are bilingual and documents are often available in both languages. A professional level of English is enough to make the most of the event.
Can I come from Siem Reap for the day?
Yes, many attendees travel from Siem Reap. The bus or car journey takes about 5 to 6 hours, and domestic flights connect the two cities in under an hour. It's more comfortable to plan an overnight stay.
What is the exact registration cost?
The rate varies depending on the participant's status and the edition. The CCIFC publishes the pricing grid when registration opens. Expect a reduced rate for members and students, and a full rate for non-members.
Is the forum useful if I'm not yet based in Cambodia?
Yes, that's actually one of the main benefits. The forum lets you meet people already established, understand the regulatory framework, and test the maturity of your project before taking the plunge. Several participants come each year in the prospecting phase.

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