Strengthening Cambodia China Cooperation in Cross Border Digital Payments

The National Bank of Cambodia and the People’s Bank of China in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Branch advanced their long term financial cooperation during a high level meeting in Phnom Penh. Governor Chea Serey and President Chen Jinxiang reaffirmed a shared commitment to enhancing the connectivity of cross border payment systems and accelerating innovation in financial technologies. According to the central bank announcement, the discussions focused on deepening bilateral ties through interoperable payment infrastructure, improved financial services, and new collaboration frameworks that support seamless transactions between the two markets.

Expanding Digital Payment Connectivity and Financial Innovation

The dialogue underscored the priority both institutions place on modernizing their financial cooperation, particularly in relation to QR based cross border payments. The two sides explored technical solutions aimed at translating policy intentions into practical, operational cooperation. These include plans for more robust payment system interconnection and integrated fintech solutions capable of supporting rising trade and investment flows between Cambodia and the Guangxi region. President Chen Jinxiang commended Cambodia’s significant economic progress, noting the launch of the Techo International Airport as a major leap strengthening the Kingdom’s role as a logistics and investment hub in Southeast Asia.

Advancing Credit Information Sharing to Support Regional Enterprises

Chen Jinxiang highlighted the strong foundation of previous cooperation and confirmed the PBC’s intention to expand collaboration in credit information sharing. This initiative is expected to improve cross border risk assessment, widen access to credit, and reinforce financial transparency for enterprises operating in both economies. In response, Governor Chea Serey welcomed the plan and emphasized Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its credit information systems in collaboration with other partner countries. She noted that these developments contribute directly to enhanced financial stability and increased trust for investors.

Promoting National Currencies in Bilateral Trade

Governor Serey also thanked the PBC Guangxi Branch for its continued support in including the Riel in the region’s official currency trading table. This effort promotes the broader use of the Yuan and the Riel in trade settlement, which she stated has facilitated cross border commerce while reducing reliance on third party currencies. In her official post, she wrote, “I am pleased to welcome Chen Jinxiang, President of PBC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Branch and his colleagues. We discussed the cooperation between the central banks of the two countries, especially in the payment system.” She further affirmed, “We also learned about each other’s economies, especially in terms of promoting investment by investors from Guangxi province to Cambodia and the payment of goods between the two countries in Chinese Yuan and Cambodian Riel.”

Practical Benefits for Businesses and SMEs

The use of the Yuan and the Riel for trade settlement continues to rise as businesses recognize their practicality. The direct exchange rate introduced by the PBC Guangxi Branch has simplified procedures for traders, reduced transaction costs, accelerated payment cycles, and encouraged small and medium sized enterprises to participate more actively in cross border commerce. These steps reinforce a policy structure that strengthens Cambodia China economic cooperation and enhances the financial foundation required for sustained bilateral growth.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce Wraps Up Strategic Trade Mission in Phnom Penh.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce, operating under the broader Dubai Chambers umbrella, has concluded a high-impact trade mission in Phnom Penh aimed at strengthening commercial ties and unlocking new partnership opportunities between Cambodian and Dubai-based companies. The mission featured a series of bilateral business meetings designed to encourage collaboration across multiple industries, showcasing the chamber’s commitment to advancing global business growth.

‘Doing Business with Cambodia’ Forum Strengthens Bilateral Engagement

A major highlight of the mission was the ‘Doing Business with Cambodia’ forum, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, and the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), with support from the UAE Embassy in Bangkok. The event brought together government leaders, private-sector executives, and representatives of local companies eager to explore new avenues for cooperation. The forum opened with remarks from H.E. Tekreth Kamrang, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce; Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and Chair of ASEAN Business Advisory Council–Cambodia; and Salem AlShamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, signaling the significance of Cambodia–UAE economic relations.

Leaders Emphasize the Importance of Expanding Regional Business Opportunities

Business representatives and senior officials at the forum discussed the promising prospects for partnership, particularly in light of Dubai’s growing non-oil trade with Cambodia, which reached US$394.5 million in 2024, marking a 3% year-on-year increase. Salem AlShamsi reaffirmed the chamber’s long-term vision, stating: “We are committed to enabling Dubai-based companies to build strong partnerships in priority markets and opening new paths for international expansion. These activities support the sustainable growth of Dubai’s business community and reinforce the emirate’s position as a leading global business hub.” His remarks underscored Dubai’s strategic push to deepen its global footprint while supporting its private sector’s outward expansion.

Showcasing Dubai’s Competitive Advantages to Cambodian Businesses

During the forum, Dubai Chamber of Commerce delivered a presentation detailing the advantages of Dubai’s energetic business landscape. The session highlighted how the emirate serves as a vital gateway to fast-growing regional markets, while offering Cambodian companies access to competitive resources, world-class logistics, and a business-friendly regulatory environment. Meanwhile, the Council for the Development of Cambodia presented a comprehensive overview of Cambodia’s economic foundations, development strategies, and investment potential, emphasizing the country’s progress in attracting foreign investors.

Opportunities Identified Across High-Growth Sectors

The chamber identified several high-potential sectors that could drive trade expansion between Dubai and Cambodia. These include aluminium, iron and steel, furniture, beverages, mattresses and bedding, and aircraft and spacecraft parts. For Dubai-based investors eyeing Cambodia, promising sectors span travel and tourism, hospitality, textiles, transportation and warehousing, consumer goods, appliances, construction, and major infrastructure developments. These areas align with Cambodia’s steady economic diversification and growing investor confidence.

Dubai Delegation Features Diverse Private-Sector Leaders

The mission’s delegation included representatives from 16 Dubai-based companies operating across key industries such as building materials, engineering, FMCG trading, food and beverages, retail, healthcare, ready-made garments, textiles, beauty and cosmetics, and oil and gas. Their participation underscores Dubai’s multi-sector interest in Cambodia’s emerging market and highlights the growing momentum of bilateral commercial cooperation.

About Dubai Chambers: Empowering Global Business Ambitions

Dubai Chambers operates as a non-profit public entity dedicated to advancing Dubai’s global business presence by empowering companies, fostering innovation, and facilitating access to influential international networks. Following the restructuring announced in March 2021 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Chamber of Commerce now functions alongside Dubai International Chamber and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy under the Dubai Chambers umbrella, each contributing to the emirate’s long-term economic vision.

“Rise for Khmer”: A Historic Cultural Showcase Backed by Cambodia’s Leading Business Giants.

Cambodian Conglomerates Unite Behind a Global Cultural Stage.

In a powerful display of cultural pride and corporate solidarity, three of Cambodia’s most influential conglomerates, Royal Group of Companies, Chip Mong Land, and Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), have officially joined forces to support Rise for Khmer, an international cultural concert set to take place on 1 December 2025 in Paris. Hosted at Salle Pleyel, one of France’s most iconic and historically significant concert venues, the event promises to amplify the presence of Cambodian music and artistic expression to a global audience. The partnership was formally announced during a joint press conference featuring prominent leaders and creators: Mao Chanman (President of the Khmer Artists Association), Manu Rajan (Group Brand Officer of the Royal Group of Companies), Eung Vireak (Shareholder of Chip Mong Land), Thierry Tea (Vice President of OCIC), Laura Mam (CEO of Baramey Productions), and Dara Thong (Producer at Sabay Event Productions). Their collective presence underscored the growing synergy between Cambodia’s creative industries and its business sector, signaling a new era of cultural elevation on the world stage.

Renewed Cultural Identity on the International Stage

Rise for Khmer arrives at a time when global interest in Cambodian music has surged, marking the first major large-scale Khmer music performance in Europe since the Royal Ballet tours of the 1990s. This renewed cultural wave comes on the heels of significant milestones, including VannDa’s electrifying appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony, an unforgettable moment that spotlighted modern Khmer artistry before millions worldwide. The upcoming concert gathers leading talents from Baramey Production, VannDa, Suzana Reth, Vanthan, Norith, and YUUHAI, symbolizing a generation of artists who blend heritage with innovation. More than a performance, the event serves as a declaration of cultural pride, artistic confidence, and a unified Cambodian identity re-emerging powerfully on the global cultural map.

Business Leadership Driven by Cultural Commitment

The collaboration behind Rise for Khmer extends beyond the entertainment world, reflecting a broader national movement driven by some of Cambodia’s most established business groups. For over thirty years, Canadia Group, OCIC, Royal Group of Companies, and Chip Mong Land have significantly contributed to the nation’s economic growth across sectors such as finance, infrastructure, communications, and real estate development. Their joint support for this concert highlights a shared belief that culture and creativity are essential pillars of Cambodia’s forward momentum. As Thierry Tea, Vice President of OCIC, emphasized: “OCIC has invested in building homes, bridges, urban districts, roads, and now a new international airport, improving connectivity and daily life for millions of Cambodians. It is in this spirit that OCIC supports the humanitarian dimension of this initiative.” This alignment between enterprise and artistic expression demonstrates a unified vision, one that positions culture as a vital force capable of strengthening national identity, inspiring communities, and showcasing Cambodia’s evolving story to the world.

A Cultural Milestone Symbolizing Unity and Global Connection

At its core, Rise for Khmer is far more than a concert, it is a cultural milestone that merges business leadership, artistic innovation, and global engagement. The event symbolizes Cambodia’s continuing progress and its rising creative voice, now reaching international platforms with renewed resonance. With strong backing from the country’s major private-sector leaders and a lineup of artists shaping modern Khmer music, the concert stands as a defining moment where unity, heritage, and ambition converge. As Cambodia steps confidently into the global cultural spotlight, Rise for Khmer represents a meaningful step forward in sharing the nation’s artistic soul with audiences worldwide.

GDT, CCC discuss tax glitches to boost biz environment.

Cambodia is taking another major step toward strengthening its business environment. This week in Phnom Penh, the General Department of Taxation and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce held a high-level meeting to tackle ongoing tax challenges and improve compliance for companies operating across the country.

The session was co-chaired by Kong Vibol, Director-General of the GDT, and Kith Meng, President of the CCC. Together, they invited ministry officials, private companies, associations, and key stakeholders to review real issues raised by the private sector from unclear procedures to new regulations that need more guidance.

Between November 2023 and October 2025, 56 tax-related challenges have been recorded, not counting the 56 issues already resolved during the 19th Government-Private Sector Forum. This rising number shows just how urgently businesses need clearer, more efficient tax processes.

During the meeting, Kith Meng urged the GDT to establish a special committee dedicated to reforming and amending tax laws, an essential move to attract more global investors and support Cambodia’s growing economy. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to making tax policies more practical, predictable, and aligned with today’s business realities.

They also discussed preparations for the upcoming nationwide “Tax Forum,” a platform designed to promote open dialogue on tax topics and address private-sector concerns more effectively.

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