“Cambodia has a very special place in France’s relations with the ASEAN countries,” said Olivier Becht, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, at the French Embassy on Wednesday.
“We have a very long, friendly relationship. We would like to revitalise our relationship, especially in the economic field,” Becht said at the end of his two-day visit that started on January 24. “There are already many French companies operating in Cambodia,” he said.
Pointing to the 1.15 billion euros annual bilateral trade, Becht said, “These numbers remain modest compared to the capacities and the potential of our two economies.”
Earlier in the day, the French Minister and a business and investment delegation had a meeting with Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen.
“We had the honour of being received by the Prime Minister this morning. We discussed investment opportunities in sectors where France has the expertise, particularly in the field of renewable energies, sustainable urban mobility and the food industry,” he said.
“I am convinced that Cambodia can be a gateway for France to the ASEAN countries, as part of France’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific region.
The Minister in a write-up ahead of the visit termed the Indo-Pacific as an area of great economic, technological and environmental challenges and a driver of the global economy, in which Cambodia and France are both stakeholders. “I believe in the dynamism of Cambodia and Cambodian youth to keep the ties of friendship alive,” he said.
On the recent global supply chain crisis, Becht said, “The crises have shown the fragility of our supply chains. We must therefore diversify our suppliers. This opens up important opportunities for ASEAN countries and French investors, particularly in Cambodia.”
For Full Article, Please read here
Author: Prakash Jha
Source: Khmer Times
January 27, 2023
