Cambodia is preparing to showcase its culture, tourism, cuisine, creativity and investment opportunities to the international community through the 2026 Village de la Francophonie, a major side event of the 20th Francophonie Summit.
Under the theme “Khmer Smiles, Francophone Smiles,” the event is expected to highlight Cambodia’s national identity and the warmth and friendliness of its people while creating opportunities for cultural exchange and international business exposure.
The preparations were reviewed at a workshop at the Ministry of Tourism, presided over by H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism.
The workshop brought together H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs and Chair of Subcommittee 5; H.E. Eat Sophea, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Head of the Secretariat of the National Commission; as well as leaders of ministries and institutions, private sector representatives, development partners, relevant organisations and other guests.
Cambodia Prepares for Major Francophonie Gathering
Huot Hak said Cambodia is deeply honoured to host the 20th Francophonie Summit, describing the international gathering as an opportunity to present the country's national identity, culture and economic potential.
The Village de la Francophonie will provide a platform to showcase:
- Cambodian culture and heritage
- Tourism destinations and products
- Khmer cuisine
- Youth creativity
- Entrepreneurial initiatives
- Cambodian products
- Investment opportunities
The event is also intended to facilitate cultural exchange between Cambodia and members of the wider Francophone community.
“Khmer Smiles, Francophone Smiles”
The theme “Khmer Smiles, Francophone Smiles” places Cambodian hospitality at the centre of the event's public message.
According to the Minister, the Village will highlight the warmth, friendliness and cultural identity of Cambodian people while welcoming visitors from around the world.
The event will also give Cambodian youth and entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their creativity and products to an international audience.
Cambodia aims to use the gathering to strengthen awareness of its tourism, culture and business opportunities among the approximately 90 members of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) and international visitors.
Exhibition Booths Will Be Free
One of the most significant arrangements announced at the workshop is that all booths and exhibition spaces at the Village de la Francophonie will be provided free of charge.
Huot Hak said the arrangement follows guidance from Samdech Moha Bovor Thipadei Hun Manet.
The free exhibition space will allow a broad range of participants to showcase their activities without booth rental costs.
Eligible participants include:
- Government ministries and institutions
- Private sector companies
- Small and medium sized enterprises
- Artists
- Producers
- Development partners
The exhibition platform is intended to give participants an opportunity to present Cambodian achievements, tourism potential, products, culture and investment opportunities on an international stage.
Private Sector Invited to Participate
The Minister called on ministries and institutions, tourism industry associations, businesses, hotels, restaurants and resorts to actively participate in the Village.
Artists, producers and educational institutions were also encouraged to take part in the exhibitions and related activities.
The government sees broad participation as important to creating a shared national presentation during the Francophonie event.
For the private sector, the Village provides an opportunity to introduce Cambodian products and services to visitors and stakeholders connected with the Francophone community.
Opportunity to Promote Tourism and Investment
Tourism is expected to be an important component of Cambodia's presentation.
Hotels, restaurants, resorts and tourism associations have been encouraged to participate, allowing the sector to showcase Cambodian destinations and tourism products.
At the same time, the event will provide space for businesses and entrepreneurs to present products and investment opportunities.
The combination of tourism, culture, cuisine, entrepreneurship and investment is intended to present a broader picture of Cambodia to French speaking markets and the international community.
Youth and Entrepreneurial Creativity in Focus
The Village will also highlight the creativity of Cambodian youth and entrepreneurs.
This provides an opportunity to present locally developed products, creative work and business initiatives to an international audience.
For Cambodia, connecting cultural identity with contemporary entrepreneurship can provide a broader representation of the country beyond traditional tourism and heritage attractions.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Village de la Francophonie 2026 |
| Related event | 20th Francophonie Summit |
| Theme | “Khmer Smiles, Francophone Smiles” |
| Preparation workshop | Ministry of Tourism |
| Minister leading preparations | H.E. Huot Hak |
| OIF community | Approximately 90 members |
| Exhibition booth cost | Free of charge |
| Participants invited | Ministries, institutions, private sector, SMEs, artists, producers, development partners and others |
| Promotion focus | Culture, tourism, cuisine, products, creativity and investment |
Angkor Times Analysis
The decision to provide free exhibition space is an important practical element of the Village de la Francophonie because it lowers the participation barrier for SMEs, artists, producers and other organisations that may otherwise face costs associated with international promotional events.
It also gives Cambodia an opportunity to build a broad national showcase rather than limiting participation to large companies or government institutions.
The theme “Khmer Smiles, Francophone Smiles” combines cultural diplomacy with tourism promotion. Cambodia is positioning hospitality and cultural identity alongside cuisine, entrepreneurship, products and investment opportunities.
For the tourism and private sectors, the event could provide an opportunity to reach French speaking markets and international visitors in a concentrated setting. Hotels, restaurants, resorts, tourism associations and businesses have specifically been encouraged to participate.
The supplied material, however, does not provide details on the number of planned booths, expected visitors, participating countries, individual exhibitors or projected economic impact. Those details would be needed to assess the event's commercial scale.
The confirmed opportunity is therefore clear: Cambodian organisations will be able to participate in an international Francophonie platform without paying for exhibition space, giving businesses and institutions a potentially valuable channel to present Cambodia's tourism, culture, products and investment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Village de la Francophonie?
It is a major side event associated with Cambodia's hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit, designed to showcase Cambodian culture, tourism, cuisine, creativity, products and investment opportunities.
What is the theme?
The theme is “Khmer Smiles, Francophone Smiles.”
Will exhibitors have to pay for booth space?
No. According to the Ministry of Tourism, all booths and exhibition spaces will be provided free of charge.
Who can participate?
Ministries and institutions, private companies, SMEs, artists, producers, development partners, tourism associations, hotels, restaurants, resorts and educational institutions have been encouraged to participate.
What can participants showcase?
Participants can present Cambodian achievements, tourism potential, products, culture, creative work and investment opportunities.
Why is the event important for Cambodia?
It provides an international platform to promote Cambodia's cultural identity, tourism sector, products and investment opportunities to members of the Francophone community and visitors from around the world.