Cambodia Investment Review
La French Tech Phnom Penh and CambodiaTrade.com have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing an initial framework to connect Cambodian startups, SMEs and exporters with international technology, expertise, companies, investors and markets.
The cooperation was announced during the 3rd Cambodia Digital Trade Forum & Online Expo at Koh Pich Expo, a successful three-day event that brought together entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs, investors, technology companies, development partners and public institutions.
The Forum was officially opened and launched by H.E. Mrs. CHAM Nimul, Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The event recorded high attendance and featured 180 exhibition booths showcasing startups, SMEs, technology and digital solutions, as well as Cambodian local products.
The MOU signing was presided over by H.E. Mrs. CHAM Nimul, Minister of Commerce, and signed by Mr. Thierry Tea, Co-President of La French Tech Phnom Penh, and H.E. Mrs. Chea Ratha, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished members of the international community, including the Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Canada, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy, and a representative of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Combining Cambodian Market Reach with International Digital Expertise
The partnership brings together complementary capabilities. CambodiaTrade.com provides a platform and channel for Cambodian enterprises and products, while La French Tech Phnom Penh brings access to talent, digital expertise, technology capabilities and an international network of companies, entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem partners.
Through its links with the wider French Tech ecosystem, La French Tech Phnom Penh can help facilitate relationships between Cambodian businesses and companies, experts and partners in France, Europe and other international markets.
For CambodiaTrade.com, the cooperation creates opportunities to access French and international technologies, digital expertise and specialised competencies, as well as relationships with new companies, technology providers, investors, distributors, buyers and other business partners.
For Cambodian companies, the objective is to create more practical pathways to internationalisation: finding potential partners and buyers, understanding new markets, accessing technology and expertise, and participating in international programmes and business networks.
“Our objective is to build practical bridges between Cambodia and the international innovation ecosystem. By combining CambodiaTrade.com’s reach among Cambodian businesses with La French Tech Phnom Penh’s talent, digital expertise and international network, we can create new opportunities for Cambodian companies while also opening Cambodia’s ecosystem to French and international partners.”
— Thierry Tea, Co-President, La French Tech Phnom Penh
An Initial Framework for a Deeper Partnership
The MOU signed during the Cambodia Digital Trade Forum provides an initial framework for cooperation. It allows both organisations to begin identifying priority sectors, markets and practical initiatives while creating a foundation for further collaboration.
The partners expect to explore additional initiatives in the coming months and may develop a more comprehensive strategic framework, including opportunities around FrancoTech and the France–Cambodia Business Forum.
Future cooperation may cover business matching, international market access, technology and digital transformation, startup and SME programmes, knowledge sharing, investor and corporate connections, trade missions and participation in international events.
