Cambodia Highlights Economic Resilience, Digital Payments and Sustainable Finance at Nikkei Forum

TOKYO, June 12, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia underscored its commitment to strengthening economic resilience, advancing digital financial connectivity and promoting sustainable finance during a high-level discussion at the Nikkei Forum on the Future of Asia in Tokyo on Thursday.

Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), joined regional policymakers and financial leaders in a panel titled “ASEAN+3: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Contribute to Global Stability.”

Other participants included Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, and Jay Y. Yuvallos, Chairman of the East Asia Business Council. The session was moderated by Yasuto Watanabe, Head of the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO).

Dr. Serey highlighted the vulnerabilities of highly open economies with significant dollarization, stressing Cambodia’s strategy to build resilience through export diversification, market expansion, increased foreign direct investment and higher value-added manufacturing.

She emphasized that a diversified and competitive economy is key to weathering external shocks in an uncertain global environment. The Governor also pointed to Cambodia’s push for renewable energy, noting that greater reliance on clean sources reduces exposure to external energy risks while supporting sustainable growth.

Turning to the financial sector, Dr. Serey said an efficient and inclusive system is critical for resilience. She outlined NBC’s efforts to accelerate digital payment adoption and strengthen cross-border payment connectivity, initiatives that facilitate trade, tourism and integration while expanding access to financial services.

She further underscored the importance of sustainable finance and climate resilience, calling for financial systems to support environmentally sustainable investments and help economies adapt to climate change.