Steeped
in Cambodian history is the French legacy, which dates as far back as 1863. 153
years later, the French influence is still strongly evident across the Kingdom;
with many Cambodians fluent in speaking the language, a smattering of
French-era colonial buildings standing proud, but perhaps most notably, the
substantial number of businesses across a broad range of industries that have
established themselves here.
Aside
from the estimated 50 French companies – that include subsidiaries, branches
and representative offices – there are an additional between four and five
hundred independent small and medium-sized enterprises in the country, managed
by the French.
Companies
from France contribute to a slightly less than one per cent of the import
market, the biggest share among its other European counterparts.
The
growing French investment in the Kingdom represents several hundred million US
dollars, with VINCI’s management of the international airports being the
largest and most visible, along with a 5 per cent share in the pharmaceutical
market and 15 per cent in gasoline and lubricants distribution through TOTAL’s
network.
These are
not the only two most lucrative industries, however. French cuisine is one of
the most widely enjoyed in the world; nationally renowned French brands include
the colourful food and beverage industry with restaurants like Topaz, Malis,
and Khema, and small luxury hotel Arunreas which are all under the revered
Thalias Hospitality Group.
In the
same thriving tourism and hospitality spectrum are Meas Holdings’ eateries such
as Blue Pumpkin, Terrazza, Sajibumi, and Yoshinoya, as well as independent
restaurants and bakeries the likes of Comme a la Maison, Van’s, La Crêperie,
and Eric Kaiser among many others. Larger hotel facilities such as ACCOR’s
(Sofitel, Raffles) or VICTORIA’s showcase the vested interest of the French
hospitality industry in the Kingdom and the recent opening of LVMH “T Galleria”
in Siem Reap confirms the progressive upgrade of the tourism industry in the
globally attractive site of Angkor Wat.
Extending
their medical expertise see well-represented pharmaceutical giant SANOFI, and
pharmacies DKSH, Eye Care, Naga Clinic, U-Care, Medicom, and Samata. These
household names have propped up the quality of healthcare and health products
in Cambodia together with the installation of French medical equipment in major
hospitals in the country.
Design
and architecture companies have helped in moulding Cambodia’s city landscape,
providing sophistication and meticulousness in its aesthetic standards. These
businesses of international standards include multi-disciplinary construction
consultancy Archetype Group, the whimsically delightful branding consultancy
Melon Rouge Agency, and in the digital marketing scope – Endorphine Concept
Digital Solutions.
To list
all of the established French companies in the country would be too extensive,
but each and every one of these businesses has assisted greatly in Cambodia’s
economic growth. From non-profit organisations and independent businesses, to
the French government initiatives that cover the country’s pressing issues, the
French continue to extend aid in higher education and research, economic
development, infrastructures building and professional training, governance and
social cohesion, and most crucially, health.
Here is
wishing France, and all French nationals and Cambodians of French origin based
in the Kingdom, a very happy Bastille Day!
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