Key Highlights:

• Official Signing: The agreement was signed by H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and H.E. Ueno Atsushi, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia.
• Empowering Future Leaders: This grant enables young Cambodian government officials to pursue graduate-level studies at prestigious Japanese universities, directly contributing to national capacity building.
• Strategic Partnership: This assistance underscores Japan’s unwavering commitment to Cambodia’s socio-economic progress and further elevates the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” between the two nations.

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Mrs. Dith Nita, Vice-Chairwoman of the CMA Board, characterized 2025 as a pivotal year. The sector successfully balanced sustainable growth with a commitment to enhancing the financial well-being of Cambodians. As the economy continues its recovery and diversification, the microfinance sector remains a fundamental pillar of national stability.

Key Financial Figures (End of 2025):

• Total Loan Portfolio: Reached $6 billion, a 15% year-on-year increase.
• Deposits (at 4 MDIs): Increased by 17.60% to $2.99 billion.
• De-dollarization Progress: Riel-denominated loans hit $1.4 billion (23.3% of the portfolio), while Riel deposits reached $393 million (13.1%), signaling strong confidence in the national currency.

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H.E. Sun Chanthol, serving as the First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), led a senior multi-agency delegation in bilateral negotiations with Mr. Chen Xiaodong, Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).

The high-powered Cambodian delegation included H.E. Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, and H.E. Dr. Soeung Rathchavy, Cambodia’s Ambassador to China, along with senior technical officials from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the CDC.

The strategic dialogue centered heavily on auditing current progress and streamlining the operational timelines of core infrastructure installations previously formalized under existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

During the dynamic technical review, both sides established concrete alignment on high-priority projects. To optimize timeline efficiencies, the Cambodian leadership urged CIDCA to accelerate its internal financial vetting and fiscal approval protocols, ensuring that ground-breaking and civil works can commence expeditiously.

The bilateral session concluded progressively, with both nations solidifying their institutional commitment to reinforcing the Cambodia-China “Diamond Hexagon” cooperation framework—a specialized strategic matrix engineered to generate sustainable, multi-sectoral economic dividends for both sovereign states.

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PaySound is available on ABA Mobile, ABA Merchant App, and ABA POS terminals, allowing users to confirm received payments immediately without needing to constantly check their screens.

 Which Businesses Can Use PaySound?

This feature is designed for businesses of all types and sizes:

• Retail stores
• Restaurants and cafes
• Supermarkets
• Street vendors
• Delivery services
• Other service providers

 Key Benefits of PaySound

 ABA Bank Leadership Statement

Ms. Blong Malypoarn, Deputy CEO and Head of Digital Product at ABA Bank, stated:

“PaySound reflects ABA’s commitment to making digital payments easier, clearer, and more practical in everyday life. By providing instant audio alerts for incoming payments, we help sellers and customers complete transactions faster, with more confidence and greater convenience.”

 How to Activate PaySound

PaySound is integrated directly into ABA’s existing digital payment systems:

• No additional hardware required
• No extra maintenance needed
• Users can activate it through in-app settings
• Choose preferred language and voice

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which apps support PaySound?
A: PaySound is available on ABA Mobile, ABA Merchant App, and ABA POS terminals.

Q: What languages does PaySound support?
A: Three languages: Khmer, English, and Chinese.

Q: Can small businesses use this feature?
A: Yes. PaySound is designed for businesses of all types and sizes, including street vendors.

Q: Do I need additional equipment to use PaySound?
A: No. This feature is integrated directly into existing ABA apps and devices.

 Conclusion

With the launch of PaySound, ABA Bank continues to strengthen its digital payment ecosystem. This feature helps businesses operate more efficiently and makes cashless payments faster, safer, and more convenient for people across Cambodia.

Thank you for peace!

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 12-Month Fixed Deposit Interest Rate Comparison Table

The table below shows the annual interest rates (p.a.) for 12-month fixed deposits in both USD and KHR:

 Fixed Deposit Interest Rates by Term (ABA Mobile)

If you’re looking for flexibility, here are ABA Bank’s interest rates for various fixed deposit terms via the ABA Mobile app:

Note: ABA Bank’s fixed deposit interest rates are subject to change, and opening an account via ABA Mobile often offers higher rates than over-the-counter openings.

 Which Fixed Deposit Account Should You Choose?

• For the Highest KHR Interest Rate: ABA Bank is the best choice, offering 5.50% for a 12-month term.
• For High Security and Extensive Branch Network: ACLEDA Bank is Cambodia’s largest bank, offering competitive rates (4.25% for KHR via Mobile Banking).
• For a Flexible Savings Account: Phillip Bank offers a “Future Account” where you can set a savings term from 3 to 120 months, earning interest rates up to 5.00%.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Fixed Deposit?
A fixed deposit is a savings account where you deposit money for a fixed period (e.g., 6 months, 12 months) and earn a higher interest rate than a regular savings account.

2. What are the minimum deposit requirements?

• ACLEDA: KHR 400,000 or USD 100 (via Mobile/Internet Banking).
• ABA: KHR 400,000 or USD 100.
• Phillip: KHR 400,000 or USD 100.

3. Can I withdraw my money before the maturity date?
Generally, early withdrawal incurs a penalty, and you may lose some or all of the accrued interest. Please check the specific terms with each bank.

4. Is interest income subject to tax?
In Cambodia, interest from savings deposits is subject to a withholding tax of 6%.

5. How often do these interest rates change?
Interest rates can fluctuate based on market conditions. The rates above are current as of June 2026.

 Conclusion

Choosing the right fixed deposit account depends on your needs and financial goals. If you want the highest KHR interest rate, ABA Bank is a great choice. If security and a wide branch network are your priorities, ACLEDA Bank is suitable. And if you want a flexible savings account, Phillip Bank is a good option.

Thank you for peace!

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 Key Impacts on Daily Finances

The World Bank report identifies several major pressures:

• Soaring fuel prices: Gasoline rose 45% and diesel over 70% in March – the steepest increase since 2008.
• Inflation: Reached 5.8% in April, eroding household purchasing power.
• Remittance decline: With nearly 1 million Cambodian workers returning from Thailand, remittances fell to 3.6% of GDP in 2025 (vs. 6% average during 2019–2024).

Estimate: If oil prices rise 60%, household consumption could drop 8%, pushing an estimated 1.1 million Cambodians into poverty.

 What Should Investors and Public Servants Do?

Instead of panic, use this information to protect and grow your assets:

 Positive Outlook: FDI and Exports

Despite headwinds, the World Bank noted several bright spots:

• Record FDI: Reached $5.1 billion in 2025, creating about 400,000 formal jobs.
• Strong exports: +17.7% in Q1 2026, driven by garments and agriculture.
• Adequate international reserves: To cushion short-term shocks.

Investor tip: Construction may slow, but manufacturing and agriculture are benefiting from trade agreements (RCEP). Consider export‑linked securities.

 Fixed Deposit Interest Rate Comparison (Cambodia, 2026)

For 12‑month and 6‑month terms among major banks:

Note: ABA promotional rates are for mobile‑opened accounts only. Over‑the‑counter rates are lower.

 FAQ for Investors and Public Servants

1. What are the main causes of Cambodia’s economic slowdown in 2026?
The World Bank report highlights soaring fuel prices (due to Middle East conflict), falling remittances (after ~1 million workers returned from Thailand), and a construction sector downturn.

2. What is the projected GDP growth?
Real GDP is forecast to slow to 3.9% in 2026 before recovering to 4.9% in 2027.

3. What are current inflation and fuel prices?
Headline inflation reached 5.8% in April 2026. Regular gasoline is 4,700 KHR/litre; diesel is 5,050 KHR/litre.

4. How is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) performing?
FDI remained strong, reaching $5.1 billion in 2025.

5. Is Cambodia’s export sector healthy?
Yes. Exports grew 17.7% in Q1 2026.

6. What policy responses are recommended?
The World Bank recommends targeted cash transfers (instead of broad fuel tax cuts) and structural reforms to boost productivity.

 Conclusion

The World Bank report is not a “doom scenario” but a call for smarter financial planning. For civil servants and party activists, now is the time to review savings, reduce debt, and seek additional income through safe investments like fixed deposits.

The government is implementing structural reforms and social protection policies, so the medium‑term outlook remains optimistic.

Thank you for peace!

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With this rollout, Indian users can now scan Bakong’s KHQR codes at more than 4.5 million merchant outlets across Cambodia, including tourist attractions, restaurants, retail stores, and other establishments, and make instant, real-time payments directly from their UPI-enabled mobile apps. The development marks the first phase of the cross-border QR payment linkage between India and Cambodia.

Expanding Regional Reach

The integration with India’s UPI builds on ACLEDA Bank’s existing cross-border QR payment capabilities across Asia. According to the bank’s product updates, ACLEDA partners nationwide can already accept cross-border payments via the Bakong system using ACLEDA KHQR in Khmer Riel from bank apps in Singapore.

Furthermore, the ACLEDA Super App enables customers to scan and pay seamlessly in Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Thailand, further expanding payment convenience across the region. According to the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), Cambodia has also launched cross-border payment projects with South Korea and is expanding its network to include China, Japan, and other partners through initiatives like Alipay+.

Benefits for Merchants and Travellers

Dr. In Channy, President and Group Managing Director of ACLEDA Bank Plc., highlighted the significance of the India-Cambodia payment link.

“ACLEDA Bank Plc. is proud to launch Phase 1 of our cross-border interoperability initiative, enabling Indian travellers to execute secure digital transactions via UPI-enabled applications across our extensive KHQR merchant network,” Dr. In Channy stated.

The arrangement connects India’s UPI network with Cambodia’s national QR payment ecosystem, known as KHQR, which operates under the Bakong digital payment system. Merchants can receive payments from all banks in Cambodia and enjoy cross-border QR payment acceptance from international customers across Asia.

FAQ: ACLEDA KHQR Cross-Border Payments

Q: Which countries can I use ACLEDA KHQR for cross-border payments?
A: The ACLEDA Super App enables customers to scan and pay seamlessly in Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Thailand. Additionally, merchants can now accept payments from Indian UPI users via KHQR codes.

Q: How many merchant outlets accept KHQR payments in Cambodia?
A: Over 4.5 million merchant outlets across Cambodia accept KHQR payments, including tourist attractions, restaurants, and retail stores.

Q: Can Cambodian travellers use KHQR when visiting other countries?
A: Yes. Cambodian travellers can use the ACLEDA Super App to scan and pay in Khmer Riel at participating merchants in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Q: Is there a charge for cross-border QR payments?
A: ACLEDA Bank offers cross-border QR payments free of charge for transactions within daily limits.

Q: How does the India-Cambodia payment link work?
A: Indian travellers can use their UPI-enabled apps to scan KHQR codes displayed by Cambodian merchants. The payment is processed instantly through the Bakong system and settled in Khmer Riel for the merchant.

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