History & Mission
Founded in 1998 by a group of eight French entrepreneurs in Phnom Penh, the organization began as the Club d’Affaires Franco‑Cambodgien. It rapidly grew to about 50 members by 2000 and subsequently became the Chambre de Commerce Franco‑Cambodgienne. In 2000, it joined the Union des Chambres de Commerce et d’Industrie Françaises à l’Étranger (CCI France International), which at the time represented over 25,000 companies across 78 countries.
In 2015, the Chamber evolved into a binational structure, rebranded as the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie France‑Cambodge (CCIFC). Today it comprises over 200–230 member companies, spanning French, Cambodian, European businesses, NGOs, and institutional players across sectors like hospitality, IT, service, automotive, healthcare, among others. Simili Consulting is a member of CCIFC.
CCIFC’s core mission includes:
* Promoting Franco‑Cambodian trade and investment;
* Representing member interests to Cambodian authorities and the Embassy;
* Networking within the French, European, and local business circles;
* Providing practical support — market intelligence, legal/administrative advice, partner sourcing, virtual offices, recruitment;
* Organizing sectoral committees (e.g., tourism, NGOs, economic watch);
* Collaborating with EuroCham Cambodia since 2011 to amplify European‑wide business efforts.
Governance & Structure
The CCIFC is governed by an elected Board of Directors, chosen every two years with high member turnout (95% in 2024). The current board for 2025–2026 includes 11 directors:
* President: Cyril Girot (VINCI Airports)
* Vice-President: Sarah Lubeigt
* Secretary-General: Cindy Nguyen
* Deputy Secretary-General: Sylvain Ung
* Treasurer: Édouard Bello
* Deputy Treasurer: N. Van Dara
* Vice-president, President CCIFC Siem Reap section: François Noebelen
* ASEAN Representative, Administrator: Julie Keo
* Plus directors: Vaizoue Huynh, Pascal Catry, Sophorn Chhay, Antoine Fontaine.
This leadership crafts strategic direction, drives events, service delivery, and advocacy.
The Executive Director of CCIFC is Charles Julliard.
Services & Key Activities
1. Practical Business Support
CCIFC offers a wide range of services to support companies setting up or expanding in Cambodia:
* Market studies, feasibility analysis, partner and client matchmaking;
* Commercial missions, B2B meetings, sourcing support;
* Administrative and legal advice focused on Cambodian regulations, customs, registration, etc.;
* Virtual office services and secretarial assistance;
* Francophone recruitment services, CV bank access and job listings via its candidate portal.
Their alliance with the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) led to creation of a Francophone employment department and launch of annual Career Forums — pivotal for graduate employability.
2. Events & Networking
CCIFC hosts 30+ events annually, including:
* Monthly luncheons with expert speakers;
* Sectoral workshops and roundtables;
* Inter-chamber networking events (e.g., with British, German Chambers under EuroCham);
* Trade missions and visits to local businesses.
Prominent events include:
* Marché Français (December 7, 2024): a French cultural market at the French Embassy, attracting over 70 exhibitors and ~13,000 visitors.
* 2025 Charity Gala (May 29, 2025): inaugural philanthropic gala raising funds for Enfants d’Asie and Kampuchea Sela, featuring art auctions, performances, raffle tickets, and donations from sponsors like TotalEnergies, Zeliy Engineering, All Dreams Cambodia.
* Grand Prix des Affaires 2025: awards recognizing CSR excellence, environmental stewardship, innovation, and female entrepreneurship.
3. Advocacy & Institutional Engagement
CCIFC actively participates in the Private Sector–Government Working Group, influencing reforms to improve the Cambodian business climate. It also advises policymakers on regulations, labor policy, trade facilitation, leveraging strategic ties with the French Embassy and EuroCham.
Impact & Future Outlook
Education & Employability
A 4‑year strategic agreement with AUF (2024–2028) integrates employability training into Cambodian Francophone universities (e.g., job-search skills, soft skills training) and builds stronger academia-industry links.
Cultural Diplomacy & Community Building
Events like the French Market and Charity Gala foster cultural exchange and demonstrate CCIFC’s role beyond commerce — as a community builder and cultural ambassador.
Sustainable Business Emphasis
By spotlighting CSR, environmental responsibility, innovation, and women entrepreneurs via awards like the Grand Prix, CCIFC champions sustainable and inclusive business practices.
The Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie France‑Cambodge (CCIFC) is a dynamic catalyst for Franco‑Cambodian relations. Since 1998, it has grown into a 200+ member binational institution delivering:
1. Business services (market intel, legal advice, partner sourcing, HR support);
2. Relationship-building (events, networking, trade missions);
3. Institutional advocacy to improve business climates;
4. Cultural and educational impact via marquee events, scholarships, and academic partnerships;
5. Sustainable development leadership emphasizing CSR, innovation, and female empowerment.
Looking ahead, CCIFC will likely deepen its employability and digital innovation initiatives, expand event offerings, and further integrate into European networks—with growing emphasis on social and environmental impact. It remains a pivotal channel for French and local stakeholders to connect, invest, and prosper in Cambodia.
Learn more about CCIFC on their website.
