Phnom penh: The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) co-hosted a workshop titled 'Financial Inclusion in Cambodia' on Mar. 30, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the future of financial literacy and inclusion in the country.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the event was presided over by H.E. Yim Leat, Deputy Governor of the NBC, and attended by representatives from the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC), the Non-Bank Financial Services Authority (FSA), the Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA), and JICA, which also contributed as a guest speaker in a panel discussion on financial literacy and consumer protection.
Mr. Khemara Ros, Secretary General of the ABC, highlighted the extensive nationwide reach of banking services. He also briefed participants on key initiatives undertaken by the Association and the broader banking sector, including the promotion of responsible lending and borrowing practices, financial literacy, consumer protection, and ongoing capacity-building for financial service professionals.
Mr. Sok Voeun, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CMA, emphasised the critical role of the microfinance sector in expanding access to financial services, particularly credit for small and medium-sized enterprises, farmers, and communities in remote areas. He noted that such access is essential for improving livelihoods and supporting economic growth.
He further underscored the importance of financial literacy in enabling individuals to use financial services effectively and responsibly, reducing debt risks, strengthening consumer protection, and building trust in the financial system to ensure inclusive development.
The workshop also aimed to disseminate research findings from the JICA Ogata Research Institute under the theme 'Empirical Study on Promoting Financial Inclusion in Cambodia.'
The associations and their members reaffirmed their commitment to advancing financial inclusion, promoting financial education, and developing innovative financial products to better serve the needs of individuals and businesses across Cambodia.