The Chamber of Commerce France-Cambodia (CCIFC) has elected Cyril Girot as its new chairman. Girot, a figure well-entrenched in both French and Cambodian business circles, brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future of the chamber and its role in fostering economic ties between the two nations.
Acknowledging the collective effort of candidates in the recent election, Girot extended his gratitude towards the outgoing CCIFC Executive Committee and all voters who supported his vision. He highlighted the chamber’s achievements under the stewardship of the previous board, particularly noting the efforts of Soreasmey Ke Bin, the outgoing president. Ke Bin’s tenure saw significant strides in strengthening the French-Cambodian business community, setting a solid foundation for future endeavors.
Girot’s election comes at a time when Franco-Cambodian relations are experiencing renewed vigor, partly due to the recent visit of Samdech Prime Minister to France. This event, Girot notes, has opened new avenues for collaboration, especially in the economic sphere, setting the stage for the upcoming France-Cambodia Business Forum in June 2024.
Focus On Promoting Trade And Investment
Under Girot’s leadership, the CCIFC aims to continue its strategic focus on promoting trade and investment between France and Cambodia. He emphasized the importance of continuity with the initiatives already in place, including leveraging the role of major French groups in Cambodia. VINCI Airports, a leading Western investor in Cambodia since 1995, was highlighted as a key player in the country’s infrastructure development and a prime example of successful French investment.
Girot’s multifaceted role extends beyond the CCIFC. As a French Foreign Trade Advisor (Conseiller du Commerce Extérieur de la France – CCE) and Vice-Chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham Cambodia), he is committed to wearing “three hats,” underscoring his dedication to the Franco-Cambodian business community. This commitment is a testament to the crucial role played by volunteer leaders in fostering international trade relations.
The recent CCIFC elections, which saw a remarkable 95% turnout among voting companies, reflect the vibrant engagement and interest of the French-Cambodian business community. Girot praised the newly formed Board of Directors for its diversity in expertise and sectors, noting the balanced representation and consensus achieved during the election process.
A New Era Of Prosperity And Collaboration
Cyril Girot, an alumnus of the École Polytechnique and the École des Ponts et Chaussées, with an MBA from the Collège des Ingénieurs de Paris-Torino-Stuttgart, has a distinguished career spanning various industries and roles. From the energy sector with Marathon Oil and Total to strategic positions in the French government and significant contributions in the airport industry with VINCI Airports, Girot’s varied background equips him with the insights and experience necessary to lead the CCIFC into a new era of prosperity and collaboration between France and Cambodia.
As the new chairman of the CCIFC, Cyril Girot is poised to build on the solid foundations laid by his predecessors, steering the Franco-Cambodian business community towards greater achievements and deeper bilateral relations. His leadership signifies a promising new chapter for the CCIFC, with a clear focus on collaboration, investment, and shared growth between France and Cambodia.
This article was re-written from the original interview published in Cambodge Mag.
