For this week’s interview, EuroCham Senior Communications Officer Stew Post sat down with Charles Julliard, Executive Director of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cambodia (CCIFC). 

Their conversation explored Charles’ extensive experience in Southeast Asia and how this impacts his style of leadership. The pair also discussed the Executive Director’s role in strengthening ties between France and the Kingdom and the success of this year’s French Market.

Stew: Could you tell us about your background?

Charles: I have over 20 years of experience working in Southeast Asia, with a focus on business development, marketing, and account management. My journey began in France, where I studied international marketing and advertising strategy, before moving to the region. I’ve had the privilege of working in various roles across Cambodia and Myanmar, particularly in business networking, market expansion, and building strategic partnerships.

As Executive Director of CCI France Cambodge, my main focus is to create valuable business opportunities for our members. This involves not only fostering relationships within the French community in Cambodia, but also working closely with other chambers of commerce and business organisations in the region to facilitate cross-sector partnerships. This approach allows our members to access new markets, expand their networks, and enhance their business potential in Cambodia and beyond.

Stew: As the Executive Director of CCI France Cambodge, what steps have you taken to deepen the collaboration between the French and Cambodian business communities, and what do you believe could further improve these connections?
 

Charles: One of our primary focuses has been to create an inclusive and dynamic environment where both French and Cambodian businesses can thrive. We have worked to expand the scope of our events, enabling both communities to exchange knowledge, share expertise, and create strategic partnerships.

However, we believe there is still much potential for deeper collaboration. Further fostering a direct exchange between Cambodian entrepreneurs and French businesses, particularly in sectors like technology, sustainability, and education, could yield more innovative solutions. Additionally, enhancing the visibility of French expertise in Cambodia through high-impact campaigns or specialised fairs could stimulate further business growth and cultural exchange.

Stew: Congratulations on overseeing the continued growth of the French Market. What do you see as the key factors behind its success, and how does the French Market help promote French culture and business in Cambodia?
 

Charles: The continued growth of the French Market is indeed a reflection of the strong connection between the French and Cambodian communities, and I’m thrilled to see its growing popularity. One of the key factors behind this success is undoubtedly the unique location. Hosting the event in the beautiful park of the French Embassy in Phnom Penh, which opens its gates to the public only twice a year—during the Journée du Patrimoine and the French Market—creates a special atmosphere. Visitors are drawn to the exclusivity and charm of this iconic venue, which provides a rare opportunity to experience a space that blends history, culture, and nature.

For the 2024 edition, we welcomed 10,500 visitors, a strong turnout that demonstrated the continued appeal of this event. The ever-increasing variety of products presented and the growing diversity of exhibitors played a key role in making the market a success. Additionally, significant improvements were made to the layout, with wider and more optimised circulation spaces that encouraged leisurely exploration. These enhancements were widely appreciated and contributed to an even more enjoyable experience for attendees this year.

Stew: As one of the leaders in the French Cambodian business community, how do you see the role of the Francophonie in strengthening cultural and economic ties between Cambodia and French-speaking countries? What initiatives could be taken to further promote the Francophonie’s influence in Cambodia.
 

Charles: The Francophonie plays a vital role in strengthening the bonds between Cambodia and French-speaking countries, not just culturally, but also economically. As Cambodia continues to develop, French-speaking nations offer expertise in a variety of sectors such as education, technology, and business innovation, which aligns with Cambodia’s development goals.              
In line with this, the CCIFC has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF). This partnership aims to enhance educational and professional exchanges, contributing to Cambodia’s integration into the global Francophone network. Looking ahead, the Francophonie Summit in Cambodia in 2026 will provide a key opportunity to showcase the country’s growing role within the Francophone community and explore new areas of collaboration that benefit both Cambodia and the broader French-speaking world.
 

Stew: With over 20 years of experience in Southeast Asia, including roles in marketing, account management, and leading business networks in Cambodia and Myanmar, how has your diverse professional background shaped your leadership style and decision-making approach?

Charles: My diverse professional background has been instrumental in shaping my leadership style, which focuses on adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a long-term vision. Having worked across various sectors, I’ve developed the ability to approach challenges from multiple perspectives, allowing me to make well-rounded decisions. My experiences in both Cambodia and Myanmar have taught me how to navigate complex, fast-changing environments and build strong relationships with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds—skills that are essential in my role at CCI France Cambodge.

I adopt a collaborative leadership style that values cross-cultural understanding, and this approach guides how I manage the Chamber’s actions and the Chamber’s teams. I believe in empowering stakeholders to share their ideas, creating an open environment where innovation thrives. Drawing on my background in marketing and account management, I focus on aligning our actions with the broader needs of the business community, ensuring that our initiatives not only address immediate goals but also contribute to long-term, sustainable growth. My primary goal is to make CCI France Cambodge a key partner for all companies looking to establish themselves or already established in Cambodia.