Cambodia, China step up science and technology cooperation.

In Phnom Penh, a major step forward has been taken in science, technology, and innovation. Cambodia and China have officially launched the Cambodia-China Joint Research Program, an initiative marking a powerful new chapter in their long-term partnership.

On Tuesday, Minister Hem Vanndy of Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, together with Wang Wenbin, China’s Ambassador to Cambodia, presided over the announcement. Built on previous agreements and fresh memoranda of understanding, this program represents months of coordinated planning that began in July 2024.

From nearly 70 proposals submitted by research teams in both countries, eight outstanding projects were selected. These focus on critical areas shaping Cambodia’s future: food security, public health, biotechnology, environmental applications, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and data science.

Chinese officials highlighted that the goal is simple yet transformative, generate scientific progress that improves lives and strengthens a shared future between the two nations. Cambodian leaders echoed this vision, noting that the program also expands talent development and deepens institutional collaboration.

Each project will run for two years. China’s Ministry of Science and Technology is providing up to 2 million RMB—about $280,000—for each Chinese research team, while Cambodia supports its researchers with key in-kind and institutional backing. Cooperation will also continue through regional platforms like the Lancang-Mekong Innovation Corridor and the ASEAN-China Joint STI Committee.

This joint effort is more than research, it’s strategic investment, regional progress, and a blueprint for sustainable development.

If you believe in the power of international collaboration to drive growth and innovation, share this story.

Read less

FacePass Secure: ABA Bank Strengthens Biometric Protection as User Adoption Surges.

Biometric Security Becomes Central to ABA Mobile’s Strategy

ABA Bank is rapidly advancing its digital security ecosystem with the expansion of FacePass Secure, a facial recognition technology integrated into ABA Mobile. First introduced in 2024, FacePass has quickly become a defining feature of the bank’s protection framework, with over 90% of all users activating the feature. The upgrade arrives as Cambodia embraces mobile banking and QR-based transactions at unprecedented speed, pushing financial institutions to meet rising expectations for both convenience and digital safety.

As the first bank in Cambodia to embed live facial recognition directly within its mobile banking app, ABA has set a new competitive benchmark, prompting wider sectoral shifts toward layered authentication and more sophisticated fraud prevention tools.

Read more: How Will Cambodia Benefit From ADB’s Investment in Digital Finance?

Enhanced Protection for High-Value and Sensitive Transactions

Initially designed as an optional login security layer, FacePass Secure has evolved into a mandatory identity verification tool for key activities. The bank now requires live facial recognition for:

• High-value money transfers
• Personal data updates
• eKYC steps during Instant Account Opening
• Reactivating ABA Mobile on a new device

This expansion ensures that only the true account owner can approve these actions—even if someone gains access to their smartphone or PIN. The verification process, designed to be almost instantaneous, adds robust security without burdening users.

Zokhir Rasulov, Chief Digital Officer of ABA Bank, emphasized the importance of balancing convenience with protection, stating:

“FacePass Secure represents a significant leap forward in mobile banking security and user experience. It demonstrates ABA Bank’s commitment to safeguarding customers’ financial information while prioritizing convenience. For example, if you transfer an amount larger than your preset limit, FacePass will require live facial verification, meaning no one, not even someone who knows your PIN, can complete the transaction without your presence.”

Designed for All Modern Smartphones, Not Just High-End Devices

ABA highlights that FacePass Secure is not the same as Apple’s Face ID, which functions at the device level. Instead, FacePass is fully app-based and compatible with both iOS and Android devices that include a front-facing camera with live recognition capability. This ensures broad accessibility across Cambodia, where many users rely on a wide variety of smartphone brands.

Read more: How Are AI-Generated Images Tricking You Into Fake Charity Donations?

To address growing privacy concerns, ABA confirms that all biometric data is encrypted, stored only on secure servers inside Cambodia, and never shared or transferred abroad. These measures align with international information security standards.

As cyber fraud and account takeovers rise across Southeast Asia, ABA positions FacePass Secure as a necessary safeguard in a rapidly digitalizing financial environment.

Rising User Confidence and Momentum in Cambodia’s Digital Payments Landscape

Feedback from early adopters, particularly small business owners and young professionals, shows high confidence in FacePass Secure. Many view the feature as an added layer of protection that enhances trust, especially when conducting large transactions or time-sensitive payments.

This widespread adoption also reflects Cambodia’s broader shift toward digital finance. KHQR payments, mobile banking apps, and digital wallets have become integral to daily commerce, creating a natural pathway for biometric solutions to become an industry standard.

Read more: Can Cambodia Become Southeast Asia’s Next Startup Powerhouse?

As more banks across the region explore similar technologies, ABA’s early leadership may catalyze sector-wide upgrades in the near future.

ABA continues to encourage all customers to activate FacePass Secure through their app settings to ensure stronger account protection and a smoother, more secure banking experience.

Read less

ADB Approves $50 Million Program to Strengthen Cambodia’s Financial Stability and Digital Finance Infrastructure.

A Major Step Toward a More Resilient Financial System

Cambodia has taken another significant stride toward financial modernization as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approves a $50 million policy-based loan designed to reinforce sector stability and drive digital finance innovation. This new initiative, a milestone for the country’s economic development, aims to strengthen financial governance, expand financial inclusion, and future-proof Cambodia’s financial landscape.

Strengthening Banking, Nonbanking, and Digital Finance Institutions

The funding falls under ADB’s Inclusive and Sustainable Finance Development Program, a long-term, programmatic approach that supports banking and nonbanking institutions. The focus is clear: improve sector performance, enhance resilience, and expand access to quality financial services for both consumers and businesses. Regulatory reforms, market efficiency upgrades, and digital finance development will be central to the program’s implementation.

As ADB Acting Country Director for Cambodia Anthony Gill stated, the initiative aligns perfectly with Cambodia’s long-term ambitions, noting that the investment aims to reinforce financial inclusion, stimulate private sector participation, and ensure economic growth benefits communities nationwide.

Tackling Structural Challenges and Closing Financial Gaps

While Cambodia’s financial sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, structural challenges persist. Limited market depth, insufficient investor protection, unequal financial service access, weak financial literacy, and gaps in digital infrastructure continue to hinder progress.

The program’s first phase directly addresses these issues. ADB plans to strengthen the regulatory environment for financial institutions, improve overall sector stability, and boost consumer protection. Additionally, strategic development efforts will support emerging financial technologies such as digital assets, cryptocurrencies, and peer-to-peer lending, ensuring Cambodia remains competitive in the evolving fintech landscape.

Driving Sustainable Finance and Green Investment

A major component of the program includes advancing sustainable finance—a critical step as Cambodia aims to attract climate-conscious investment and transition toward green growth. The initiative will help shape a unified national framework for sustainability-linked finance. Key measures include establishing a green finance working group, issuing corporate sustainability disclosure guidelines, and creating pathways for sovereign sustainable bond issuance.

These reforms support Cambodia’s broader vision of achieving upper middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050, with digital connectivity, capital market development, and robust financial governance as essential building blocks.

ADB’s Continued Commitment to Regional Development

Founded in 1966 and jointly owned by 69 members, ADB remains a driving force behind economic progress across Asia and the Pacific. Its long-standing commitment to supporting essential infrastructure, institutional reform, and inclusive development continues to play a vital role in Cambodia’s transformation.

Read less

Why Cambodia Is Becoming a Prime Destination for Textile & Apparel Investment?

A Thriving Textile & Apparel Industry Since the 1990s

Cambodia’s textile and apparel industry has transformed dramatically over the past three decades, evolving from a modest manufacturing base into one of the country’s most influential economic pillars. Since the 1990s, exports of garments, textiles, and footwear have expanded rapidly, driven by Cambodia’s competitive labor costs, an increasingly sophisticated industrial ecosystem, and the advantages of multiple international trade agreements. These favorable conditions continue to attract global manufacturers seeking sustainable, scalable, and cost-efficient production.

The Engine of Growth Behind Cambodia’s Manufacturing Power

The garment, footwear, and travel products sector remains the heart of Cambodia’s industrial growth. In 2022, the industry reached a historic milestone with USD 12.8 billion in total exports, reflecting the sector’s resilience and expanding global demand. By December 2023, these products made up 62.26% of Cambodia’s total exports, supported by 918,718 workers and 1,680 factories producing bags and travel goods. The combination of a vast labor pool and strategic industrial clustering has secured the industry’s central role in the nation’s GDP and economic stability.

Read more: Why Invest in Electronics in Cambodia?

The Advantage of Preferential Trade Agreements

As a least developed country and active ASEAN member, Cambodia benefits from preferential tariff treatment with numerous global partners, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Iceland, Norway, China, the UK, India, Chile, South Korea, and more. These agreements help position Cambodia as a competitive exporter within Asia, Europe, and North America.

However, challenges remain. The United States applies an Ad Valorem Equivalent (AVE) tax of 14.31% on Cambodian textile and apparel exports, while the EU reduced certain trade preferences since 2020. Additionally, the Vietnam–EU Free Trade Agreement may create short-term competitive pressure. Nevertheless, Cambodia’s diverse trade partnerships ensure ongoing access to high-value international markets.

Read more: What Does the 20% Capital Gains Tax Mean for Cambodian Investors?

1. Consistent, Sustainable Economic Growth

Remarkable Economic Expansion

With a decade-long 10% CAGR in GDP, Cambodia continues to strengthen its macroeconomic foundation. Major improvements in electricity infrastructure, cost reductions of nearly 20% over the past ten years and a tenfold increase in capacity over fifteen years, further support industrial productivity.

Large-scale infrastructure investments enhance competitiveness, including the USD 1.9 billion Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway and the USD 150 million 38-road upgrade in Siem Reap, significantly improving logistics efficiency.

A Predictable Business Environment

The country’s stable inflation rate, foreign exchange consistency, and low unemployment contribute to a reliable investment climate, enabling long-term business planning for manufacturers and investors.

Commitment to Sustainability

Cambodia’s energy mix is increasingly green, with around 70% of installed energy capacity in 2019 sourced from renewables. Combined with one of ASEAN’s lowest CO₂ emissions rates, the nation is positioning itself as a responsible manufacturing hub.

Read more: Why invest in Cambodia?

2. Strong Trade Connectivity and Infrastructure

Favorable Regional and Global Trade Integration

Cambodia’s membership in ASEAN and participation in multiple FTAs—including those with China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand, offer substantial tariff reductions and market access. Additionally, joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) connects Cambodia to the world’s largest trading bloc, representing 30% of global GDP.

Expanding Transport and Logistics Networks

As a key player in the Southern Economic Corridor, Cambodia forms a strategic bridge between Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. With 17 airports, including three international hubs, and multimodal logistics in the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ), Cambodia provides efficient access to global supply chains. The Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway further strengthens this connectivity.

Proximity to Fast-Growing ASEAN Markets

Bordering Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, Cambodia offers manufacturers close geographic access to thriving consumer markets and integrated production chains. Four SEZs sit along the Thai border and 13 more along the Vietnamese border, strategically positioning producers for regional expansion.

3. A Competitive, Young, and Skilled Workforce

A Young, Energetic Population

With more than 60% of Cambodians under the age of 35 and a labor participation rate of 80%, the country provides a dynamic and abundant workforce ready to support large-scale manufacturing operations.

Rapidly Increasing Skills and Literacy

The literacy rate climbed to nearly 90% in 2019, while employment in secondary and tertiary sectors has grown 1.6 times since 2008. This shift reflects improving skills, educational access, and a maturing labor market.

Cost-Effective Labor

A minimum monthly wage of USD 208 keeps Cambodia among Asia’s most competitive manufacturing destinations—especially for labor-intensive sectors such as textiles and apparel.

4. A Conducive and Investor-Friendly Business Climate

Open and Fair Economic Policies

Cambodia guarantees equal treatment for foreign and local investors. There is no requirement for local equity participation, no government price controls for investment project outputs, and full freedom for currency convertibility and profit repatriation.

Attractive Investment Incentives

Qualified Investment Projects (QIPs) benefit from incentives such as:

• Up to 9 years of income tax exemption or special depreciation options
• Export tax exemptions
• Full import duty exemptions for construction materials, equipment, and production inputs
• VAT exemptions for locally produced inputs
• 150% tax deduction for R&D, innovation, worker welfare, training, and machinery upgrades

Streamlined Registration Processes

Through the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), investors enjoy a simplified single-window approval system. If a project is not on the “negative list,” the CDC issues a registration certificate within 20 working days, fostering speedy business setup and operational start.

Source: CDC

Read less