AKP Phnom Penh, March 21, 2025 --

H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), received here on Mar. 20 newly-appointed Asian Development Bank (ADB) President H.E. Masato Kanda, during his official inaugural visit to Cambodia.

In the meeting, both parties discussed the potential growth of Cambodia and the infrastructure investment needed to meet that potential.

The NBC governor highlighted the important role played by ADB in supporting Cambodia’s economic development since the 1990s, through technical assistance and financing for many development projects.

Furthermore, ADB has made significant contributions to the development of the banking system by helping to prepare regulations for the development of the microfinance sector, making Cambodia the first country in the world to have regulations in this sector, she recalled.

H.E. Dr. Chea Serey also spoke highly of the ADB’s contribution to the development of Cambodia’s financial sector since the early 2000s until now.

In addition, she underlined the ADB’s active role in the development of Cambodia’s agriculture, a potential sector for the Cambodian economy.

For his part, the ADB president commended the NBC for the progress of the banking and payment systems in Cambodia, which have helped support the economic growth and trade, and promote financial inclusion.

He also praised the Bakong system as a successful model for learning from experience for a number of developing countries.

H.E. Masato Kanda affirmed the ADB’s commitment to continue to actively contribute to supporting the development of Cambodia’s financial and economic sectors.

Following the meeting, President Kanda also visited the Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum of Economy and Money (SOSORO). He expressed his appreciation for the excellent organisation of the museum, which provided comprehensive and easy-to-understand information, allowing visitors to learn about Cambodia’s progress.

By Chea Vannak