Cambodia–Laos Launch Second Phase of Cross-Border QR Payment System

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 19, 2025) — Cambodia and Laos on Friday launched the second phase of their cross-border QR code payment system, allowing Lao citizens to scan KHQR codes in Cambodia to pay for goods and services.

The initiative, led by the National Bank of Cambodia and the Bank of the Lao PDR, expands digital payment cooperation between the two countries and is aimed at strengthening economic ties, boosting tourism, and advancing ASEAN’s vision of linking regional payment systems.

The ceremony was presided over by Chea Serey, governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, and Bounkham Vorachit, governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR. ACLEDA Bank Plc. and ACLEDA Bank Lao Ltd. were designated as settlement banks, enabling transactions in local currencies — the Khmer riel and Lao kip.

The second phase builds on August 18, 2023, when ACLEDA Bank successfully launched Phase 1, enabling Cambodian users to scan Lao QR codes. Together, the two phases mark a significant step toward ASEAN’s goal of interconnected digital payment systems.

ACLEDA Bank reported assets of $11.94 billion and more than 6 million customers as of September, underscoring its role in advancing financial inclusion and digital integration across ASEAN.