PHNOM PENH, December 19, 2025 — In a major milestone for regional financial integration, ACLEDA Bank Plc. officially launched the second phase of the Cross-Border QR Payment Cambodia-Laos system today. This new phase, titled “Laos Scans KHQR Code,” allows Lao citizens to use their home mobile banking apps to make seamless purchases at millions of merchants across the Kingdom of Cambodia.
The official ceremony was presided over by H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, and H.E. Bounkham Vorachit, Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR, underscoring the high-level commitment to the ASEAN vision of an interconnected digital economy.
Strengthening Economic Ties via Cross-Border QR Payment Cambodia-Laos
The launch of Phase 2 completes a bilateral loop that began in August 2023. While Phase 1 enabled Cambodians to pay for goods in Laos, this update allows Cambodian merchants to accept instant payments from Lao travelers.
Key benefits of the Cross-Border QR Payment Cambodia-Laos include:
- Local Currency Settlement: Travelers pay in their home currency (KHR vs LAK), while merchants receive the payment in their own local currency, promoting the use of the Khmer Riel and Lao Kip.
- Tourism Boost: By eliminating the need for physical currency exchange, the system makes travel more convenient and secure for tourists visiting landmarks like Angkor Wat or Luang Prabang.
- Reduced Costs: Digital transactions reduce operating costs for banks and businesses while offering competitive exchange rates for consumers.
ACLEDA Bank’s Role as the Settlement Hub
ACLEDA Bank Plc. and ACLEDA Bank Lao Ltd. have been designated as the official Settlement Banks for this project. This cross-border collaboration demonstrates ACLEDA’s technological leadership, as it has already successfully launched similar linkages with Thailand, Vietnam, and UnionPay International.
Advancing Financial Inclusion in ASEAN
“This initiative serves as a bridge connecting the culture, economies, and people of our two nations,” stated H.E. Dr. Chea Serey. By providing a secure, interoperable, and frictionless payment experience, the Cross-Border QR Payment Cambodia-Laos empowers small businesses and enhances financial inclusion for citizens across the Mekong region.