Tag: Financial
Cambodia and Laos Credit Guarantee Agencies Sign MOU to Boost MSME Financing and Green Credit Cooperation
Cambodia Investment Review
The Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) and Lao Credit Guarantee Sole Company Limited (LCGC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in credit guarantee services and improving access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Cambodia and Laos.
The agreement was signed on May 11 at CGCC’s headquarters in Phnom Penh by CGCC Chief Executive Officer No Lida and LCGC Chief Executive Officer Wong Keet Loong, with representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Lao PDR, and both institutions in attendance.
Focus on MSME Financing Access
The partnership establishes a formal framework for collaboration between the two state-backed credit guarantee institutions, focusing on knowledge sharing, operational development, capacity building, and the expansion of guarantee schemes designed to support MSMEs.
Read More: CGCC Marks Five Years as Government Launches New Individual Guarantee Plus Scheme
CGCC CEO No Lida said the agreement marked the start of what he described as a “long and impactful partnership” between the two organizations, adding that both institutions would benefit from exchanging operational experience and technical knowledge.
He noted that while CGCC began operations earlier, the partnership would create opportunities for both institutions to learn from each other as they continue developing their guarantee frameworks and services.
LCGC CEO Wong Keet Loong said the Cambodian institution had developed into what he described as a regional model for credit guarantee operations over the past five years and that the collaboration would support Laos’ efforts to improve financing access for small businesses.
Green Finance and Knowledge Sharing Included
The MOU also includes cooperation on green taxonomy frameworks and climate-related financing guarantee schemes, reflecting growing regional interest in sustainable finance and green lending initiatives.
Both organizations operate as government-established institutions with mandates focused on reducing financing constraints for MSMEs, a segment widely viewed as critical to economic growth, employment creation, and private sector development across Southeast Asia.
The agreement is also expected to support ongoing information exchange and institutional learning between the two organizations as they expand their operational capabilities.
CGCC and LCGC Expand Regional Cooperation
The agreement comes as governments and financial institutions across the Mekong region continue looking for new mechanisms to support MSME lending amid tighter credit conditions and increasing pressure on smaller businesses to access formal financing.
Credit guarantee institutions are designed to reduce lending risks for commercial banks and financial institutions by partially guaranteeing loans provided to businesses that may otherwise struggle to secure financing due to limited collateral or operating history.
CGCC was established in 2020 under the financial and technical guidance of Cambodia’s Ministry of Economy and Finance. Its mandate includes expanding financial inclusion and supporting economic growth through loan guarantees, bond guarantees, and SME capacity-building initiatives.
According to the institution, CGCC had provided guarantees to 9,808 accounts worth a combined $567.63 million as of the end of April 2026.
LCGC, meanwhile, was officially incorporated in December 2024 and formally launched operations in April 2026. The institution operates under the supervision of the Bank of Lao PDR, with technical guidance from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and ownership under Laos’ Ministry of Finance.
The Lao institution’s primary role is to support access to finance for MSMEs by providing guarantees to financial institutions, reducing lending risks, and encouraging credit growth within the Lao economy.
Credit to: Cambodia Investment Review, Published on 14 May 2026
Entrepreneurship Program Initiative of CGCC (EPIC 7)
On 4 December 2025, in Battambang Province, Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC), and ABA Bank co-organized the EPIC 7 on “Business Operations in the Digital Age for MSMEs”, with the honorable presence of Mr. Ros Visith, Director of the Department of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, Battambang Province, Ms. Chun Sothany, Director of Strategy and Business Development of CGCC, Ms. Mak Davy, Deputy Chief of Medium Business Lending Officer at ABA Bank, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) owners in Battambang, along with management and staffs of the three institutions, approximately 70 participants.
As part of the EPIC 7’s agenda, participants were provided with a presentation on “Credit Guarantee Mechanisms to Increase Access to Finance for SMEs” by Mr. Se Kimveasna, Senior Executive of Marketing and Communication of CGCC, and a presentation on “Credit Assessment Procedures and Guaranteed Credit Products for Businesses” by Mr. Soeun Sobal, Provincial Branch Manager of ABA Bank.
In addition, participants learned about the core training topic on “Business Operations in the Digital Age for MSMEs” delivered by Ms. Chun Sothany. The session enhanced their understanding of the real challenges MSMEs face in adapting to rapid digital transformation and introduced them to practical digital tools to improve operations, marketing, and customer engagement. Participants also gained valuable insights into identifying appropriate solutions and support mechanisms, along with key strategies to increase their chances of securing financing and using loans effectively to strengthen and grow their businesses.
Capacity-building is one of the CGCC’s key priorities in improving financial inclusion and fostering the development of SMEs in Cambodia. EPIC is the flagship entrepreneurs’ capacity-building program of CGCC, providing training to MSMEs on relevant and practical topics of business operations and management for entrepreneurs, in collaboration with related stakeholders and Participating Financial Institutions.
CGCC Participates in Cambodia National Conference 2025
On 22 August 2025 at SUN & MOON Hotel, Mr. No Lida, CEO of CGCC, and colleagues, participated as a key speaker at the Cambodia National Conference 2025 of CorporateConnections Cambodia, which was attended by leaders, members, national and international speakers, and distinguished guests. The conference was a valuable opportunity to network with local and international business owners and learn more about their own business leadership experiences.
Through this conference, Mr. No Lida also shared CGCC’s support for SMEs through our services and products, including loan guarantee, bond guarantee, and the Entrepreneurship Program Initiative of CGCC (EPIC), to support the development of SMEs in Cambodia.
CorporateConnections is a global business networking community established with the goal of connecting leaders around the world and empowering them to create meaningful business opportunities and positive changes in their organizations, communities, and lives. Currently, CorporateConnections is present in 33 countries and has a total of 1,700 members. The goal of CorporateConnections Cambodia is to bring Cambodia to the world and bring the world to Cambodia.
Meeting between CGCC and FTB Bank and ABA Bank in Siem Reap Province
On 9 August 2025, the CGCC team, led by Mr. No Lida, CEO of CGCC, paid courtesy visits and met the management team and staff of two Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) in Siem Reap Province, including the Foreign Trade Bank of Cambodia (FTB) and the Advanced Bank of Asia Limited (ABA).
During the discussion, Mr. No Lida expressed his appreciation for the PFIs’ continued collaboration in enhancing financial access for small and medium-sized enterprises, especially their active participation in various CGCC schemes to support SMEs’ business growth. He also shared updates on CGCC’s scheme and support mechanisms, which increase financing opportunities of PFIs and favorable terms and conditions.
The dialogue also provided the opportunity for CGCC and the provincial branches of PFIs to openly discuss the business situation in the province, challenges faced by banks and business owners, and to exchange valuable feedback or suggestion on the cooperation.
CGCC’s Humanitarian Mission to Cambodian Families Affected by the Border Conflict
On 10 August 2025, at the operational and security zones of Oddar Meanchey Province, Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) team, under the leadership of Mr. No Lida, CEO of CGCC, accompanied H.E. Dr. Mey Vann, Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Chairman of the Group 6 of the A.M.T Scholarship Students-Alumni Association, and Secretariat General of the Non-Bank Financial Services Authority, to deliver charitable donations contributed by staff at all levels, along with CGCC’s own funds, to support Cambodian who have been displaced and their families, also visited frontline soldiers and their families at the safety center in Oddar Meanchey province who are currently affected by the border conflict.
The aid included food, clothing, and daily-use items, along with direct financial assistance, which was provided to affected Cambodian families, most of whom are displaced persons, including the elders, women, and young children who are the most vulnerable individuals during this crisis. This humanitarian effort not only alleviated the immediate burdens of these fellow Cambodians but also served as a powerful symbol of unity and solidarity between the Cambodian people and the participating institutions.
This mission is a clear reflection of “Khmer helping Khmer” a value rooted in compassion, unity, and mutual care that has long been deeply embedded in Cambodian society. It also reaffirms the nation’s strong commitment to ensuring that no Cambodian is left behind in times of hardship, and it stands as proof that the Cambodian people always stand together in solidarity.
SME Building Capacity & Capability (BCC) Programme Workshop of 2025 in Battambong Province
On 08 August 2025, Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) and Maybank (Cambodia) collaborated for the 6th time to hold the SME Building Capacity & Capability (BCC) Programme Workshop of 2025 in Battambang Province. The event brought together rice exporters and rice millers from northwest Cambodia and surrounding provinces, with participation from 30 SME owners and financial advisors, as well as management and staff of the two institutions.
The workshop is presided over by H.E. Oknha Phou Puy, Board Chairman & General Manager of Baitang (Kampuchea) Plc, sharing keynote on valuable perspectives on Cambodia’s rice export potential, and honored participation from Mr. Lun Yeng, Secretary General of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), providing a comprehensive outlook on the rice industry’s current trends and opportunities.
Mr. Rath Sophoan, Country Head of Maybank (Cambodia), also delivered remarks addressing Maybank’s ongoing commitment, which extends beyond providing financial services to include capacity building that supports the development of SMEs, such as rice exporters and millers.
Mr. No Lida, CEO of CGCC, also expressed CGCC’s appreciation to Maybank for initiating and continuing the momentum of the BCC program since 2022, and addressed the support mechanism from the Royal Government of Cambodia through CGCC’s Rice Export Guarantee Scheme for rice exporters and millers’ members of CRF to promote Cambodian rice export.
Through this workshop, the participants gained practical insights into buyer expectations, market readiness, and strategic business partnerships in an evolving trade landscape. This initiative reflects the joint commitment of Maybank (Cambodia) and CGCC to go beyond providing financial access by equipping SMEs with the capabilities, confidence, and connections needed to grow, even amidst today’s increasingly complex global economic conditions.
In the first 7months of 2025, Cambodia has exported 420,572 tons of rice to 65 destinations worldwide, according to the Report of Rice Export by Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF). To support the Royal Government of Cambodia’s aspiration to export 1 million tons of rice per year, CGCC and Participating Financial Institutions (PFI), including Maybank (Cambodia), have been collaborating to implement the Rice Export Guarantee Scheme (REGS). Approximately USD 38 million in loans have been disbursed with CGCC’s guarantees under REGS, as of the end of July 2025, to provide financing support to rice millers and rice exporters. In addition to financing support, Maybank and CGCC have collaborated in co-organizing 5 BCC programs since 2022.
Meet a Business Owner Who Received a Loan Guaranteed by CGCC under Post-Harvest Fisheries
The Fisheries sector is one of the key drivers in sustaining and promoting Cambodia’s economic growth. Beyond that, this sector plays a significant role in ensuring sustainable food security, source of income, and providing employment opportunities for Cambodian people.
My name is Chav Soursdey, and I am the owner of Fisheries Processing Handicraft Chav Soursdey. My business started operating in 2022 as a family business, following a decade of my work with a private company in the agricultural sector, with a focus on aquaculture. This business was initiated from my dream and passion for food processing, particularly driven by the experience, knowledge, and skills I gained in the aquaculture sector. Initially, my first operation consisted of four part-time employees; by 2024, this number had expanded to eight employees. Starting from 2023, my products were distributed and supplied to 25 provinces/cities to various restaurants. Furthermore, in 2025, I scaled up production and processed more products, including Prahok Mondul, Prama Fish Mundul Powder, and Fish Mondul Powder.
As a business owner, accessing finance and raising funds to expand and develop my business was challenging because I lacked collateral to apply for a business loan. I had failed to obtain a business loan due to insufficient collateral and inadequate documentation. However, in 2024, I learned about the Investment Support Facility (ISF) project through the Post-Harvest Fisheries
Development Project (CAPFISH-CAPTURE), aiming to increase productivity and expand my business. With this favorable situation and the support of the project and CGCC as the fund manager, I seized the opportunity to explore applying for guaranteed loans. Then, Maybank, a Participating Financial Institution of CGCC, provided consultation to me on the guaranteed loan application.
CGCC’s guarantee significantly supports me to obtain a business loan. Most individuals and business owners like me already have collateral pledged at previous bank loans, making it less likely for us to seek additional financing. With this guaranteed loan and the fund support from the ISF, I gained the opportunity to expand my business operations, upgrade my infrastructure, and purchase equipment, which significantly boosted efficiency and productivity. As a result, I plan to release three product packaging sizes: 10g, 100g, and 200g portions. I hope to export my products to the internal market by 2026, as I now have sufficient equipment to produce in large quantities and ensure timely supply.
To successfully secure a business loan, I believe every business owner must demonstrate a strong commitment to preparing a comprehensive business plan, be aware of their business’s shortcomings, and necessary support mechanisms. More importantly, they should set clear business goals and plan the expenses based on the defined business plan, especially, maintaining financial records including monthly and annual income, expenses, profits, and losses.
Download PDF: Business Owner Who Received a Loan Guaranteed by CGCC under Post-Harvest Fisheries
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony between Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) and Cambodia Association of Securities Firms on Strategic Collaboration on Bond Issuance in Cambodia
Cambodia Investment Review
Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) and the Cambodia Association of Securities Firms (CASF) held a signing ceremony on the Memorandum of Understanding (MU) at the CGCC office, presided over by H.E. Sou Socheat, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Director General of Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC), highly participated by Mr. No Lida, CEO of CGCC, Mr. Iv Ranarith, Chairman of CASF, management and staffs of SERC, CGCC, securities firms members of CASF, and distinguished guests from relevant institutions in the securities market, total approximately 70 participants.
The MoU aims to promote the development of bond issuance in Cambodia and guaranteed bonds by CGCC through cooperation between CGCC and CASF. The partnership aims to strengthen the local bond market, promote access to long-term financing for businesses, and support the overall development of Cambodia’s securities market.
Issuance Of Green Bonds, Sustainability Bonds and Sustainability-Linked Bonds
Through the MoU signing ceremony, H.E. Sou Socheat also officially launched the “Cambodia Sustainable Bonds Accelerator (CSBA Phase 3)” with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the Global Green Development Institute (GGGI) as members, and in collaboration with the Credit Guarantee & Investment Facility (CGIF), GuarantCo and CGCC, the program will provide technical assistance to the issuance of green bonds, sustainability bonds and sustainability-linked bonds to promote financing for projects that are in line with Cambodia’s climate priority plan and promote green, sustainable and carbon-neutral projects in the future.
H.E. Sou Socheat, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Director General of SERC, congratulated the signing ceremony of the MoU, sharing: “Meaningful development and progress can only happen when there is participation from industry institutions with a shared vision. The signing of the MoU between CGCC and CASF and the launch of the third CSBA program today are proof and evidence of the power of collaboration between all stakeholders, where ideas are exchanged and joint actions are implemented effectively and efficiently. Through such strategic partnerships, we can create a vibrant, modern and sustainable financial market for Cambodia.”
Pivotal Step Toward Accelerating The Development Of The Securities Market
Mr. No Lida, CEO of CGCC mentioned that: “To support the bond issuance in Cambodia, the cooperation with CASF and participation in CSBA Phase 3 are necessary and essential for CGCC. Through this MOU and CSBA Phase 3, CGCC will have more opportunities to work closely with various securities firms that are members of CASF, along with other key stakeholders, to guarantee bond issuances in Cambodia. This collaboration is a pivotal step toward accelerating the development of the securities market in Cambodia.”
Mr. Iv Ranarith, Chairman of CASF also shared: “This MoU will enable securities companies that are members of CASF to work directly with Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia to study and evaluate potential issuance opportunities that could benefit from the Cambodian Credit Guarantee Corporation.” He also encouraged all relevant parties, especially bond issuers and companies with potential issuances, to study and explore opportunities to issue debt securities guaranteed by the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia.
Credit to: Cambodia Investment Review, Published on 01 August 2025
Signing Tripartite MoU between CGCC, SME Bank, and FASMEC on Cooperation to Provide Guaranteed Loan to FASMEC Members
On 16 June 2025, at the office of Federation of Associations for Small and Medium Enterprise of Cambodia (FASMEC), a signing Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ceremony was held between Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC), Small and Medium Enterprise Bank of Cambodia (SME Bank), and Federation of Associations for SMEs of Cambodia (FASMEC). The ceremony was presided over by Oknha Te Taing Por, the chairman of board director of FASMEC, Mr. No Lida, CEO of CGCC, Mr. Chea Sophak, CEO of SME bank, and was attended by the members of the Board of Directors of FASMEC, management, and staff of the three institutions, a total of approximately 30 people.
This MOU aims to promote the development of SMEs through CGCC’s guarantee on loans provided by SME Bank to FASMEC members. This collaboration will enhance access to essential financing for companies/businesses, particularly in the priority sector and members of FASMEC, by addressing collateral challenges. It also paves the way for collaborative efforts among three institutions to build SME capacity and improve financial literacy.
The signing ceremony concludes with a fruitful outcome that supports the SME ecosystem, aligning with the Royal Government’s Pentagon Strategy by providing opportunities to expand domestic production with improved quality, productivity, and global competitiveness.
