Phnom penh: The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), in collaboration with the Bank of France, is hosting the 28th Conference of Central Bank Governors of Francophone Countries to discuss and exchange key perspectives on the scope of central bank autonomy amidst evolving economic and social realities.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the conference is taking place from May 28 to 31 in Phnom Penh under the theme "Central Bank Autonomy in the Face of Public and State Expectations." The event commenced with keynote speeches by NBC Governor H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, H.E. Fran§ois Villeroy de Galhau, Governor of the Bank of France, and H.E. Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank. The gathering includes 26 central bank governors from Francophone countries across Europe, America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

Cambodia's central bank noted, "In this historic international event, the conference discussed and exchanged key perspectives on the scope of central bank autonomy in a situation where the world is facing a new evolution of economic and social realities that has been placing central banks in front of higher expectations from the state and the public."

This marks the third occasion Cambodia has hosted this international meeting, with previous conferences held in 1996 and 2011. Established in 1994 by the French central bank, the Conference of Central Bank Governors of Francophone Countries provides an annual forum for dialogue and exchange on economic, monetary, and financial topics. It significantly contributes to promoting cooperation among central banks, particularly those from French-speaking nations.

Additionally, this conference precedes Cambodia's hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh, scheduled for November 15 to 16, 2026.