Phnom penh: Cambodia is currently hosting the 28th Conference of Governors of Central Banks of Francophone Countries, an event organized by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) in collaboration with the Bank of France. The conference, which runs from May 28 to 31 in Phnom Penh, is centered around the theme: "The autonomy of central banks in the face of the expectations of States and the public."

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the conference was inaugurated with speeches from key figures including Ms. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia; Fran§ois Villeroy de Galhau, Governor of the Bank of France; and Ms. Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank. The event is attended by 26 central bank governors from French-speaking countries across Europe, America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

This international gathering is a platform for discussing the autonomy of central banks amidst evolving global economic and social realities, which have led to increased expectations from both states and the public. The NBC emphasized the significance of this dialogue, describing it as an essential opportunity to exchange perspectives on central bank autonomy in the current global context.

Cambodia is hosting this conference for the third time, following previous editions in 1996 and 2011. The Conference of Governors of Central Banks of French-speaking countries was established in 1994 by the Bank of France. It serves as an annual forum for dialogue and exchange of experiences regarding economic, monetary, and financial issues, thereby strengthening cooperation among central banks, particularly within the Francophone region.

The organization of this conference is part of Cambodia's broader efforts as it prepares to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh on November 15 and 16, 2026.