「綠色」Green

「普惠」Inclusive

「賦能」Empowering

「綠色」Green

「普惠」Inclusive

「賦能」Empowering

柬埔寨總體經濟概況 柬埔寨位於東南亞中南半島，為聯合國會員國及東南亞國協(ASEAN)成員國。西部和西北部與泰國接壤，東北邊有寮國，東部有越南，南部則面向暹羅灣。首都金邊，總面積約18萬平方公里，約台灣的5倍大。 柬埔寨的人口結構是有利於經濟發展的正金字塔型。截至2020年，柬國人口總數為1,672萬人，平均年齡爲27歲，且34歲以下的年輕人占總人口的70%。自然資源豐富，森林覆蓋率為61.4%，富含礦產資源。高度開放的自由市場經濟促進私有化和貿易自由化。1993年憲法規定，柬埔寨是君主立憲制王國，立法、行政、司法三權分立，總理洪森掌權將近35年，政治穩定。柬埔寨人民黨目前取得國會全數125席，在政權穩定的基礎下，伴隨經濟目標明確，柬埔寨的投資環境已受到國際青睞，包括日本、韓國、中國、以及東南亞鄰近國家均早已投資布局。 柬埔寨政府與多國已簽署貿易協定，包括東協自由貿易協定(AFTA)(於1999年加入東協並適用該協定)、與中國簽訂自由貿易協定(2020年10月簽署)、簽訂區域全面經濟夥伴協定(RCEP)(2020年11月簽署)、及與韓國的雙邊自由貿易協定(2021年2月簽署)。 一、經濟成長率 2011至2019年，柬埔寨平均經濟成長率達7%以上，尤其2018年經濟成長率更高達7.47%。2020年受到COVID-19疫情影響，經濟成長率負成長3.1%。在柬國政府疫情控管及施打疫苗覆蓋率有所提升下，各界對柬埔寨2022年經濟展望多屬正面，包括柬國副總理兼財經部部長悟剖蒙(Aun Pornmoniroth)表示，2022年柬國經濟成長率將達4.8%。此外，世界銀行日前針對東亞和太平洋地區的最新經濟動態評論報告中指出，柬埔寨經濟將在2022年成長率達5.2%以上。IMF更預測，柬埔寨經濟成長率2022年可望提升至6%以上。 表1 柬埔寨歷年經濟成長概況    資料來源: National Bank of Cambodia。   二、失業率 根據世界銀行(World Bank)資料顯示，2008以來，柬埔寨失業率均維持在1%以下，2020年失業率為0.31%，就國際水準而言尚屬偏低。低失業率代表經濟體系內各業呈現較活絡的情況。 圖1 柬埔寨失業率 資料來源: 世界銀行(World Bank)。 說明：圖中上方折線部分代表失業率，下方直條圖代表失業率的變動百分點。   三、物價 柬埔寨的通膨水準為溫和良性成長，有助於經濟正向發展。根據柬國央行NBC統計，2011年至2020年間，消費者物價指數(CPI)平均年增率為2.97%，就高速發展中的國家而言尚屬溫和。IMF預測，隨著經濟從2020年的低迷中復甦，2021年柬埔寨的CPI將上升3.1%，低於新興市場和發展中經濟體2021年平均上揚4.9%的預測值。 圖2 柬埔寨CPI年增率 資料來源: National Bank of Cambodia。   四、利率 根據柬國央行數據顯示，商業及專業銀行一年期定期存款利率平均為4.28%、平均放款利率為10.15%，其中存在了約6%的利差空間。若以活期存款及短期信用卡借款利率的差距來看，利差空間更擴大至17個百分點。   圖3 柬埔寨銀行存放款利差 資料來源: National Bank of Cambodia。   五、匯率 柬埔寨無外匯管制，美元為主要交易貨幣，因而較能避開匯率波動風險。而柬幣瑞爾(Riel)和美元間匯率也相對穩定，自2009年至2020年，匯率大致在4,000上下波動，平均約為4,049瑞爾兌1美元，平均年波動度為-0.27%，顯示柬幣相對美元微幅升值。 圖4 柬埔寨匯率走勢 說明：匯率係以1美元兌換之瑞爾(Riel, KHR)表示。 資料來源: National Bank of Cambodia。   六、進出口貿易 柬埔寨主要出口產品為成衣製品，佔總出口額50%以上，其次為紡織、鞋類、白米及自行車等；主要進口品為服裝原料、汽車、食用油和建築材料。出口主要銷往美國、日本、德國、中國和英國等五國；進口則主要來自中國、泰國、越南、日本和韓國。根據柬國央行(NBC)2021年9月發布的國際收支報告顯示，2020年商品出口額約184億美元，進口額約210億美元，貿易赤字佔GDP比率由2019年的16.3%縮小至10.4%。   七、外資直接投資概況 2020年柬國央行金融穩定報告指出，外資直接投資(FDI)柬國金額約35億美元，較2019年下降1%，主要投資於金融、建築和房地產及製造業等。其中外資投資金融業因銀行增資、新銀行設立以及微型銀行轉變商業銀行等，皆是國外投資金融產業金額較2019年成長12.8%的原因。而投資於非金融產業如建築和房地產及製造業金額則相對2019年下降9.4%。2020年中國為國外直接投資柬國的第一大國家，占比為51%，其次為新加坡、韓國及日本等國。2021年第2季，國外直接投資金額為8.2億美元，較2020年同期7.9億美元微幅成長3.8%。   圖5 外人直接投資柬埔寨產業及國家佔比 資料來源: National Bank of Cambodia Finacial Stability Review 2020。   八、結論 整體而言，2018、2019年因中美貿易戰，許多產業紛紛移出中國，轉移至東南亞國家如越南、柬埔寨等。與全球情勢相比，柬埔寨總體經濟環境相對穩定，因而帶動了柬埔寨在2018年到2019年間GDP成長率皆達7%以上。而2020年因受到COVID-19疫情影響，經濟成長有所下滑。 在疫情已漸趨緩下，柬埔寨總理洪森於2021年11月1日宣布全面恢復開放，也顯示政府對疫情控制的信心與決心。目前柬埔寨將近86%的人口已完成疫苗接種，為亞洲疫苗接種率最高的國家之一。2022年，柬埔寨將成為東協輪值主席國，該國政府表示，將積極加強與新加坡投資合作關係、及推動區域全面經濟夥伴關係協定實施進度。 綜合上述說明，柬埔寨擁有低失業率及溫和通膨，以及在高利差、勞動成本低、經濟快速成長等因素交互作用下，成功吸引外國投資人投資柬埔寨。在政治穩定以及經濟升溫之際，柬埔寨的未來展望可以樂觀期待。

柬埔寨新聞周報2023/05/22~26 22 May 2023 PPC Bank, PRASAC post first-quarter financials 金邊商業銀行(PPC Bank)和PRASAC小額信貸公告2023年第一季度財務報告 Two financial institutions with corporate bonds on the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) reported mixed results for the first quarter of the year ended March 31 amid a worldwide economic downturn tied to growing inflation and the protracted Ukraine crisis. In its May 18 filing to the CSX, Phnom Penh Commercial Bank Plc (PPC Bank) reported profit before tax, net profit, and net interest income of 27.078 billion riel ($6.7 million), 21.226 billion riel, and 47.484 billion riels in the January-March quarter, respectively, down 22 per cent, 23 per cent, and 9.3 per cent year-on-year. “The [decrease in] the profit is mainly from increasing of interest expense on customer deposits,” the report said, noting that revenues were also lower in the three-month period. 新聞來源 : The Phnom Penh Post  22 May 2023 Cambodia's apparel exports dip 28% on-year in Jan-Apr 2023年1月至4月，柬埔寨服裝出口較去年同期下降28% Cambodia earned $1.395 billion from the export of “articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted” in the first four months of 2023, down 28.49 per cent year-on-year and down 40.80 per cent half-on-half (compared to July-October 2022), according to provisional Customs (GDCE) data compiled in “International Merchandise Trade Statistics” bulletins. This category of items, corresponding to Chapter 61 of the Harmonized System (HS) of Tariff Nomenclature, accounted for 19.28 per cent of the $7.234 billion value of the Kingdom’s total merchandise exports over the four months compared to 25.64 per cent and $7.606 billion in January-April 2022, as well as 31.97 per cent and $7.368 billion in July-October 2022. 新聞來源 : The Phnom Penh Post     22 May 2023  Cambodia’s FDI strategies right on track 柬埔寨的外國直接投資戰略步入正軌 Cambodia’s strategies to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) are right on track amid increasing regional competition, according to an industry veteran. Speaking to Khmer Times yesterday, Vichet Lor, Vice-President (Cambodia Chapter) of Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association, said that open trade policies being implemented by the national government will make Cambodia an ideal investment destination for foreign investors. “The political stability of Cambodia along with its liberal and open trade policies are making it an ideal investment location,” the industry veteran says. 新聞來源 : Khmer Time  22 May 2023 Kingdom, China to deepen trade, investment, tourism ties 柬埔寨和中國深化兩國的貿易、投資和旅遊關係 Cambodia and China will jointly hold a series of events this year to boost trade, investment, tourism, and other key areas of cooperation. “The two countries will co-organize various events to strengthen and expand cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and tourism, as well as other priority areas,” Mr. Dara Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce, said. According to the ministry’s report, Cambodia’s trade with China increased by five percent to $11.686 billion in 2022. Cambodia exported $1.240 billion worth of goods to China and imported $10.445 billion worth of goods from the country. 新聞來源 : Khmer Time   23 May 2023 $588M investment projects approved in four months 柬埔寨發展委員會 (CDC)4個月內批准5.88億美元的投資專案 The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) approved 65 fixed asset investment projects worth more than $588 million in the first four months of this year. Chinese investors are the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Cambodia. FDI from China accounted for 73.5 percent of total FDI in the country. Chea Vuthy, deputy secretary-general at CDC, said that FDI played a significant role in developing Cambodia’s socio-economic development. “Foreign direct investment, particularly from China, has played an important role in contributing to economic development, enhancing people’s lives through capital flows, generating jobs for local people, and increasing exports,” he said during a Cambodia-China business forum on Friday. Vuthy also said that the growing Chinese investment is a reflection of investors’ confidence in the country. He attributed this confidence to the cooperation between the governments, favorable investment environment, and the country’s positive economic outlook. 新聞來源: Khmer Time 23 May 2023 ABA, Acleda, Canadia dominate Cambodia’s banking market ABA，Acleda與Canadia銀行主導柬埔寨銀行市場 The Advanced Bank of Asia Limited (ABA), Acleda Bank Plc and Canadia Bank Plc dominated the banking market in Cambodia with their largest shares of total assets, market share, profits, deposits and loans last year, according to the latest banking supervision report for 2022 issued by National Bank of Cambodia (NBC). ABA and Acleda Bank are at the forefront in lending to borrowers among all commercial banks in the country as the two commercial banks have released $6.5 billion and $6.3 billion respectively, followed by Canadia Bank has released nearly $5 billion to their customers in different sectors such as financial institutions, agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining. Commercial banks also provided loans to borrowers in quarrying, manufacturing, utilities, construction, wholesale trade, retail trade, hotels, restaurants, transport, storage, information media, telecommunications, rental, operational leasing activities, real estate activities, non-financial services, personal essentials and other lending, said the report. 新聞來源: Khmer Time 23 May 2023  2C2P, AMK to expand remittance coverage between Thailand and Cambodia 2C2P和AMK微型金融將擴大泰國和柬埔寨之間的匯款覆蓋範圍 2C2P, a payment gateway service provider founded in Thailand, has partnered with Cambodia’s AMK Microfinance Institution to expand its international remittance service “easy2send” between Thailand and Cambodia. easy2send by 2C2P was launched in 2019, supporting real-time money transfers from Thailand to Myanmar, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, and UnionPay cardholders in China and worldwide at a starting fee of 99 baht. Through this new partnership, customers can transfer funds through easyWallet, 2C2P’s proprietary mobile wallet, to over 10,000 payment points in Thailand to AMK users in Cambodia. Chief Executive Officer of 2C2P Thailand said, “This collaboration between 2C2P and AMK expands the coverage of Cambodia’s money-receiving network. Cambodian migrant workers and import businesses in Thailand can now send money using digital payment methods such as e-wallets instantly. 新聞來源: Khmer Time   23 May 2023 Wing Bank and UnionPay International team up to Enhance Outbound Money Transfer and Digital Payment Experience Wing銀行與銀聯國際攜手提升出境匯款及數位支付體驗 Wing Bank (Cambodia) Plc, the bank for every Cambodian, has announced its strategic partnership with UnionPay International (UPI), a leading global payment network. The partnership aims to broaden international money transfer services and explore future collaborations in digital payment. This significant milestone was commemorated by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the distinguished presence of Neak Oknha Kith Meng, Chairman of Wing Bank, and Chairman and CEO of the Royal Group of Companies, and Mr Huiming Cai, General Manager of UnionPay International Southeast Asia. 新聞來源: Khmer Time   24 May 2023 Kingdom due to host Asia-Pacific financial development forum 柬埔寨將舉辦亞太金融發展論壇 Cambodia is set to host the 47th Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) Annual Meetings from May 14-16, 2024. Centered on regional financial development, the meetings are expected to bring together delegates from some 40 countries to share their knowledge and expertise in the domain. Kao Thach, CEO of the state-owned Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB), was selected as the vice-chairman of the ADFIAP Board of Directors on May 16 at the 46th edition of the event in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Thach confirmed to The Post on May 24 that the ARDB was chosen by the ADFIAP to host the 47th edition of the annual meetings next year. “The Annual Meetings will enhance cooperation and partnerships among institutions that finance development in the Asia-Pacific region. This is a great opportunity for Cambodia to share its knowledge and experiences concerning financing implementation programs with all the Asia-Pacific financial institutions,” he said.  新聞來源: The Phnom Penh Post   24 May 2023 Cellcard IPO roadshow extends to Taiwan, Hong Kong Cellcard 的首次公開募集上市(IPO)說明會延伸至臺灣及香港 The conglomerate Royal Group’s telecommunications portfolio CamGSM Plc known as Cellcard has recently conducted a successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) roadshow in Taiwan and Hong Kong, according to a release by the telecommunications operator. The release pointed out that the roadshow has attracted more than 40 investors in Taiwan for a briefing held at the Okura Prestige Hotel in Taipei, generating a lot of interest and excitement in the Taiwanese financial market. “The roadshow was led by members of the senior management, who presented the company’s strong financial operational performance as well as its future growth plans,” the release pointed out, adding that another IPO briefing was also conducted across three investment firms at Cinda International Asset Management Ltd in the Cosco Tower in Hong Kong. 新聞來源: Khmer Time   25 May 2023 Number of trading accounts on CSX rises 柬埔寨證券交易所 (CSX)的交易賬戶數量持續增加 The number of trading accounts on the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) is increasing, with most of the trades being small in size, reflecting the growing interest of the public and new investors in the local stock market, a senior official said. Despite a decrease in trade volume to around $300,000 per day, the number of trading accounts on CSX increased to an average of 40,000 in the first four months of this year, said Hong Sok Hour, CEO of the Cambodia Securities Exchange. “Despite the global economic uncertainty, CSX is still on track for positive growth. The CEO said that the average trading account is expected to increase to 50,000 accounts by the end of 2023. “The increasing number of trading accounts, even with small investment sizes, reflects the growing public interest in the stock market. We expect the trading volume to increase in the future,” he said. 新聞來源: Khmer Time   25 May 2023 Kingdom sees ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement benefits 柬埔寨期待東協服務貿易協定的帶來經濟利益 Cambodia is expected to benefit economically from the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA), a comprehensive agreement that aims to liberalize trade in services within the 10 ASEAN member states. Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, said that ATISA was negotiated to strengthen economic connectivity and provide better opportunities for economic development in the ASEAN Economic Community. ATISA is expected to increase trade and investment by easing restrictions on trade in services, creating a wider market and economy. “The agreement will strengthen economic relations between all ASEAN member countries by promoting and facilitating the better utilization of opportunities, enhance regulatory cooperation, establish cooperation in the field of human resource development, and increase the participation of small and medium enterprises in trade and services activities,” Sorasak said. 新聞來源: Khmer Time  26 May 2023   Cambodia rides RCEP wave with growth in exports 柬埔寨乘著區域全面經濟夥伴關係(RCEP) 的浪潮，出口顯著增長 Cambodia’s exports to countries participating in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) grew by seven percent in the first year of the implementation of the mega agreement in 2022, compared to the previous year, and by 16 percent in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year. According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce’s assessment, the trade pact involving 15 countries could raise the Kingdom’s GDP anywhere from two percent to 3.8 percent in the future. This was disclosed by Sokheng Sim, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce and Cambodia’s Chief Negotiator at RCEP, recently. Cambodia implemented RCEP on January 1, 2022, and in one year its total trade with RCEP countries reached $31 billion, comprising $24.6 billion in imports and $6.34 billion in exports. For the first quarter of 2023, the total trade went to $9.8 billion, with imports accounting for $6.93 billion and exports $2.89 billion. 新聞來源: Khmer Time   26 May 2023 Cambodia’s Sathapana Bank and Singapore based Finbots.ai link up 柬埔寨Sathapana銀行和新加坡 Finbots.ai 聯手以AI評估客戶信用 Accel-backed finbots.ai, a Singapore headquartered B2B SaaS FinTech today announced signing Cambodia’s leading commercial bank—as their latest client. With this, finbots.ai’s fast growing client case has extended to 9 countries across APAC and MEA markets. Sathapana Bank is one of the leading commercial banks in Cambodia with the second largest branch network in the country of over 170 branches across Cambodia. Sathapana Bank offers a wide range of banking and financial services for consumers, businesses, and SMEs. With this move, Sathapana Bank will be one of the pioneer banks in Cambodia to migrate their credit risk management to an advanced AI-led solution. The pivot to finbots.ai is part of the Bank’s strategic investments in digital and business transformation. With finbots.ai’s AI- led credit modelling platform credit, Sathapana Bank will be able to better assess credit worthiness of applicants for personal, home, agriculture, and SME loans, thereby accelerating business growth without increasing risk. 新聞來源: Khmer Time 

柬埔寨新聞周報2023/05/15~19 15 May 2023 Apex business body mulling Hong Kong office 柬埔寨商會(CCC)考慮在香港設立辦事處 The Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has revealed that it is considering a proposal by a Hong Kong business delegation to open a representative office in the Chinese special administrative region (SAR) to serve as a trade and investment gateway connecting the city to regional markets and beyond. The delegation last week met with the CCC, the Kingdom’s apex trade body, with the main goals of understanding the chamber’s roles at home and abroad, as well as exploring collaborative prospects to entice investors operating in Hong Kong to enter the Cambodian market. This is according to a CCC statement. 新聞來源 : The Phnom Penh Post  15 May 2023 Cambodia elected as vice-chair at UNCTAD sixth conference 柬埔寨當選聯合國貿發會議第六屆會議副主席 Cambodia was elected as the vice-chair of the E-commerce and Digital Economy Expert Group at the sixth United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), a press release by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said. Long Kemvichet, Ambassador and permanent representative of Cambodia to the World Trade Organization (WTO) has been appointed as the vice-chair at the sixth conference of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on E-commerce and the Digital Economy of UNCTAD, with support from the international economy and trade organization in Geneva, Switzerland, which held on May 10-12. The conference’s theme was “How to make data work for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, and as a vice-chair of the conference.  新聞來源 : Khmer Time     15 May 2023 Cambodian pepper gets China approval for direct exports 柬埔寨胡椒獲批准直接出口中國 Cambodian pepper will be available in China directly after the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) approves Cambodia’s export proposal. The Chinese Embassy announced last week that the GACC approved seven packaging factories and 28 registered pepper farms for pepper exports. Cambodian pepper has finished all export procedures and is now allowed to be shipped to China, it said. Pepper farmers in the country are expected to benefit from the move, which will boost production and diversify markets, said Mak Ny, president of the Cambodia Pepper and Spices Federation. Pepper is the first Cambodian agricultural product and spice crop to be approved for direct export to China this year, according to the statement. 新聞來源 : Khmer Time  15 May 2023 Cambodia’s export to RCEP countries up 16 pct in first 4 months of 2023 柬埔寨對區域全面經濟夥伴關係(RCEP) 國家的出口在2023年前4個月增長了16% Cambodia’s total export to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member countries amounted to $ 2.89 billion in the first four months of 2023, up 16 percent from $ 2.49 over the same period last year, the Ministry of Commerce’s latest report showed on Sunday. During the January-April period this year, Cambodia’s top three export destinations under RCEP were Vietnam, China and Thailand, the report said, adding that the Southeast Asian kingdom shipped products worth $ 1.18 billion to Vietnam, $ 440 million to China and $ 393 million to Thailand. 新聞來源 : Khmer Time   16 May 2023 CSX’s planned first telecoms listing generating much buzz 柬埔寨證券交易所(CSX) 首次的電信公司上市計畫，預期將造成轟動 Cellcard's anticipated initial public offering (IPO) is set to generate a lot of interest from investors as the first telecoms company to issue shares on the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX), industry insiders predict. The subscription period for the IPO planned for the Main Board runs from May 2-31, according to underwriter SBI Royal Securities Plc, which like Cellcard, is a member of the locally-owned Royal Group of Companies Ltd. Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC) director-general Sou Socheat told The Post on May 16 that the firm plans to issue 52,875,924 shares, which CSX CEO Hong Sok Hour on the same day suggested should raise “no more than $30 million”. Class A shareholders of the company will be guaranteed a dividend of seven per cent per annum for the first five years, according to Socheat. 新聞來源: The Phnom Penh Post 16 May 2023 Wing Bank Partners with Japan Remit Finance for Secure Money Transfers Wing 銀行將與日本匯款融資(JRF)合作，實現安全匯款 Cambodians residing in Japan now have a reliable option to transfer money to their loved ones, thanks to a new strategic partnership between Wing Bank (Cambodia) Plc and Japan Remit Finance Co., Ltd. The strategic partnership was established by a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Wing Bank and JRF. The partnership will increase the remittance options available to Cambodians living in Japan, ensuring that they have a reliable, safe, and cost-efficient means of transferring money home. The MoU was signed at the JRF office in Tokyo, by Vattanak Phakdey Chhun, the Deputy CEO of Wing Bank, and Hossain MD Sarwar, the President of JRF.   新聞來源: Khmer Time 17 May 2023  CSX-listed state firms post dull results for start of 2023 柬埔寨證券交易所(CSX) 上市的國有企業所公佈2023年初的業績略為平淡 Two local public-listed state-owned enterprises (SOE) have posted financial results for either the first three or four months of the year, which fell somewhat short of expectations, as local, regional and global economies continue to feel the shockwaves of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. In a May 16 filing to the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX), Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PWSA) reported revenues, operating profit, and total comprehensive income of 83.012 billion riel ($20 million), 26.870 billion riel and 38.410 billion riels for the first quarter ended March 31 – which were respectively: up 1.21 per cent, down 16.12 per cent, and up 26.80 per cent year-on-year. Similarly, “finance income”, income tax and expenses totaled 16.049 billion riel, 3.331 billion riel and 56.141 billion, up 69.49 per cent, down 67.95 per cent, and up 12.32 per cent year-on-year. 新聞來源: The Phnom Penh Post   17 May 2023 New remittance option for Cambodians in Korea 在南韓的柬埔寨人將有新匯款選擇 Cambodian migrant workers in South Korea now have another option to send money home after locally-owned Wing Bank (Cambodia) Plc and Japan Remit Finance Co Ltd.’s South Korean unit (JRF Korea) unveiled a tie-up on remittances, which according to the former is “a significant step towards expanding the reach of both companies in the international remittance market”. Wing Bank is a member of the local Royal Group of Companies Ltd, and bills itself as “the bank for every Cambodian”, while JRF Korea is “one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in South Korea”, the former said in a May 16 statement. The partnership was sealed with a ceremonial signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on April 11 by Wing Bank deputy CEO and JRF Korea chief operating officer “Philip” Park Seong-hwan, the statement noted. “The partnership offers a convenient and secure way for Cambodian residents in South Korea to send money home,” it said. 新聞來源: The Phnom Penh Post   17 May 2023 Biden vetoes legislation to block solar panel tariff waivers on Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand 拜登否決了馬來西亞、柬埔寨、越南和泰國太陽能電池板關稅豁免的立法 President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that he has vetoed a legislation passed by the US Congress that would repeal exemptions on American tariffs on imported solar panels from four Southeast Asian nations. The waivers for duties on panels made in Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, granted by Biden in June 2022, are set to be in place for two years. Biden said the waivers will create a “bridge” while US manufacturing ramps up enough to supply the domestic projects needed to achieve goals in fighting climate change. Top clean energy trade groups, whose members rely on cheap imports to keep their costs low, support the exemption and praised Biden’s veto. The waiver stemmed from a Commerce Department’s investigation last year that found that some major Chinese solar panel makers were trying to dodge US tariffs on their products by finishing them in Southeast Asian nations. Imports from the countries make up around 80% of US solar panel supplies. 新聞來源: Khmer Time   18 May 2023 WB pegs 2023 real economic growth at 5.5% 世界銀行預估柬埔寨2023年實質經濟增長為5.5% The World Bank (WB) has marked up its projection for Cambodia’s real economic growth this year to 5.5 per cent – from the 5.2 per cent it forecast last month predicting that rate to climb to around six per cent “in the medium term”. “However, an extended slowdown in external demand could weaken export-oriented manufacturing, while continued global financial tightening might expose risks in Cambodia’s highly leveraged financial sector,” the Washington-based multilateral lender cautioned in a May 18 statement. At a May 18 launch ceremony for the May 2023 “Cambodia Economic Update: Post-Covid-19 Economic Recovery”, WB country manager for Cambodia Maryam Salim affirmed that the Kingdom’s real economic growth accelerated to 5.2 per cent in 2022 from 3.0 per cent in the previous year. The economy is well on the recovery path, at first led by the export-oriented manufacturing industries’ robust performance, but now increasingly supported by services and agriculture, Salim said. 新聞來源: The Phnom Penh Post   18 May 2023 EU-supported project to strengthen Cambodia’s trade integration 歐盟支持加強柬埔寨貿易一體化的項目 The European Union (EU) will provide technical assistance to a project that aims to promote sustainable trade and strengthen the private sector in Cambodia. The project will help Cambodian businesses meet the requirements of international standards for exports to the EU and regional markets. Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce Sok Sopheak met with EU representatives at the ministry on Tuesday to discuss the development of a project that will follow the ARISE Plus Cambodia project. “The new EU-supported project will continue the activities and results achieved under the ARISE Plus Cambodia project, and will also participate in the implementation of the Cambodia Trade Integration Strategy (CITS 2019-2023). This will contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of Cambodia’s trade sector, both in terms of the policy framework and private sector capacity,” Sopheak said. 新聞來源: Khmer Time   18 May 2023  GDT sets rules to collect tax debts, accrues $1.6B 國稅局(GDT) 制定稅收債務徵收規則，前4月累計已收取16億美元 To effectively manage tax debt collection as per an action plan and achieve the tax revenue target for this year, the General Department of Taxation (GDT) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has released a set of strategies for tax officials in all branches to implement, a press statement issued by the internal tax authority said. The GDT on Tuesday released the strategies at a training workshop for tax officials on the regulations and procedures of tax debt collection management and using the tax debts management system. The event was presided over by GDT’s Deputy Director General Ken Sambath in Rattanakiri province. Addressing the opening session of the workshop, Sambath said tax officials need to be equipped with tax debt collection strategies based on the law and regulations on tax debts and use tax debt management system to respond to taxpayers with proper and reliable information and reach an understanding and agreement between tax officials and those business-owner taxpayers. 新聞來源: Khmer Time  19 May 2023  RCEP, FTAs to put region, Cambodia in better position to recover from pandemic impacts 區域全面經濟夥伴關係 (RCEP) 和自由貿易協定  將使該地區與柬埔寨從疫情中有更好的復甦 The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact and bilateral free trade agreements will put the region and Cambodia in a better position to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Cambodian scholar said on Wednesday. Tean Samnang, a strategic advisor to the Phnom Penh-based independent think tank Asian Vision Institute (AVI), said Cambodia has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to trade liberalization and regional economic integration through the RCEP, Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and Cambodia-South Korea FTA. “The achievement of these trade agreements is crucial because it will put the region, and Cambodia in particular, in a better position to recover from the impacts of the pandemic,” he said in an AVI bulletin. Cambodia has been one of the first countries to fully and swiftly resume social and economic activities, Samnang said, adding that the government’s rapid, thorough, and effective responses to the pandemic have supported the stability of production, the continuation of business activities, and the protection of those affected. 新聞來源: Khmer Time   19 May 2023 SERC in collaboration with private partners to training on “Cyber Security” 柬埔寨證券交易監管機構 (SERC)與多家私人機構合作進行「網路安全」培訓 In order to increase and strengthen the capacity of human resources, the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia is ready to open a training course on "Cyber Security". This institution will cooperate with the Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia with the support of PP Link Security Co., Ltd., Cambodian Derivatives Exchange Co., Ltd., Gold Well Capital Capital Co., Ltd. and Yanta Securities (Cambodia) Plc. Capacity building training on "Cyber Security" will be held on May 31, 2023 at the Non-Banking Financial Services Authority building. 新聞來源: Cambodia Financial Time  19 May 2023 Tax income collection accounts for 44% of yearly plan as of April 截至 2023 年 4 月，國稅局稅收收入占年度計劃的 44% The General Department of Taxation (GDT) at the Ministry of Economy and Finance collected almost $ 1.6 billion as tax income in the first four months of this year, accounting for 44 percent of the yearly target. The figures were released by GDT Director General Kong Vibol in a special broadcast on tax services on Wednesday. The collection of revenue from e-commerce operations for the January-April period of 2023 was recorded at $26 million. In 2023, the government targets KHR 23 trillion (approximately $ 5.5 billion) as income from the GDT and the General Department of Customs and Excise, which collects taxes on goods entering and leaving the country. 新聞來源: Khmer Time      

柬埔寨新聞周報2023/05/08~12 08 May 2023  Four SMEs progress in journey to list on CSX, says CEO 柬埔寨證交所執行長表示，四家中小企業在柬埔寨證券交易所(CSX) 上市的過程中取得進展 At least four small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) are working with the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) to list on the local bourse to raise funds and expand operations, according to CSX CEO Hong Sok Hour. He told The Post that these companies are from the construction and tech-related domains. “We’ve been working with them, explaining some of the listing processes and what they should do to prepare … one of the four from the construction sector will be ready before year’s end. “They’ve prepared well for the listing, in terms of corporate governance and internal procurement. They’ll be listing on the Growth Board,” he confirmed, adding that the other three firms will need more time to prepare. “The addition of more companies to the bourse those seeking funds for business expansions or sustainability will highlight the capital market as a key source of funds,” he said.  新聞來源 : The Phnom Penh Post   08 May 2023 GDT set to collect capital gains taxes 國稅局(GDT)將徵收資本利得稅 The General Department of Taxation (GDT) under the Ministry of Economy and Finance has instructed its officials across the country to continue to educate the public about updates to the laws and regulations pertaining to capital gains tax. Officials should be preparing themselves to begin collecting these taxes early next year. In an online workshop organized by the GDT early last week, its deputy director Ken Sambath said that tax reforms have led the GDT to be considered a leading public institution. Through the development and implementation of information technology systems for data management and tax collection, the GDT has developed an “excellent” reputation, both domestically and abroad. “The GDT pays close attention to the government’s reform of the tax sector. In line with its public financial reform programmed and revenue collection strategies, we aim to meet the annual tax collection plan, and contribute to the operating expenses of the Kingdom’s ministries and other state institutions,” he said. 新聞來源 : The Phnom Penh Post   08 May 2023 Laos pledges to strengthen bilateral trade with Kingdom 寮國承諾加強與柬埔寨的雙邊貿易 Prime Minister Hun Sen and President Thongloun Sisoulith agreed to strengthen bilateral trade including transmitting electricity from Laos through Cambodia for Singapore’s market and negotiating the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion, a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) said. On Friday, both leaders met at the Royal Palace and encouraged relevant ministries and institutions to effectively implement the Action Plan of 2023-2027 for a long-lasting and comprehensive strategic partnership as well as the treaty on the delimitation of the state border between the Kingdom of Cambodia and Laos People’s Democratic Republic, and other documents agreed by both sides for the benefit the people of both countries. Both sides agreed to continue to maintain regular visits and communication between the leaders, ministries and institutions as well as local authorities to enhance traditional friendship and close cooperation in fields, including politics, security, defense, economy, trade, investment, energy, education and connectivity.  新聞來源 : Khmer Time   09 May 2023  Cambodia’s Q1 export to US tops $2.5 billion 柬埔寨2023年第一季度對美國的出口額超過25億美元 Cambodia exported $2,499 million worth of products to the United States in the first quarter of this year, an 11 percent decrease as compared to the same period last year, the US Census Bureau reported yesterday. The Kingdom imported $90 million worth of products from the world’s biggest economic power, a 10.9 percent decrease year-on-year. In March alone, Cambodia’s export to the US amounted to $856 million, while import was valued at $22 million. The GSP status, offered to Less Developing Countries by the US, expired last December and the US government is in the process of reactivating the status. 新聞來源 : Khmer Time   10 May 2023   Acleda achieves strong performance in Q1 Acleda銀行在2023年第一季度取得強勁業績 The net profit of the first publicly listed Acleda Bank Plc has increased 9.58 percent to about $38.17 million in the first three months of this year from approximately $35.37 million in the same period of 2022 even though the bank has spent remarkably on interest, according to the bank’s latest report. Acleda Bank’s consolidated and separate interim financial statement released yesterday on the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) the country’s stock market shows that the commercial bank has generated about $183.83 million and approximately $11.6 million of interest income and fee and commission income respectively in the first quarter of 2023. The interest income of the ACLEDA Bank Plc. and its subsidiaries has surged about 17 percent from approximately $157.11 million, while the fee and commission income has fallen slightly or nearly 1 percent from $11.70 million, according to the report, adding that net other income has increased about 16.66 percent to $7 million from about $6 million. 新聞來源: Khmer Time   10 May 2023 CCC’s Australia offices to boost trade ties 柬埔寨商會(CCC) 在澳大利亞新設辦事處將促進雙方貿易聯繫 The Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has begun pursuing closer trade, commercial and economic relations and cooperation with the Australian business community after opening two representative offices in the country at the weekend one in Melbourne on May 6 and the other in Sydney the following day. The meeting was intended to provide the delegation led by CCC vice-president Lim Heng a better overview of: the city’s economic situation, the unique strengths of the region, and possible avenues of cooperation between Cambodian and Australian businesspeople, the statement noted. At the meeting, Heng affirmed that, with the two representative offices open, the CCC will embark on a new chapter in the development in bilateral relations between businesspeople, traders and other private sector players. He suggested that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could serve as a tool to this end, the statement added. 新聞來源: The Phnom Penh Post  10 May 2023 Cambodia-Vietnam merchandise trade hits $2.43 billion Jan-Apr 2023年1月至4月柬埔寨和越南商品貿易額達24.3億美元  The Cambodia-Vietnam merchandise trade volume amounted to more than $2.4 billion in the first four months of 2023, while Cambodian exports increased by nearly 21 per cent, according to provisional General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE) statistics. In the January-April period, the total goods trade topped $2.430 billion, an increase of 5.6 per cent from the $2.303 billion registered in the same period in 2022. Of that amount, Cambodian exports to Vietnam passed $1.181 billion, up 20.9 per cent year-on-year from $977.270 million, while imports amounted to $1.249 billion, down 5.8 per cent from $1.325 billion. The Kingdom’s trade deficit with Vietnam stood at $67.524 million, narrowing 80.60 per cent from $347.995 million in the year-ago period. Vietnam accounted for 16.03 per cent of Cambodia’s international trade volume in the first four months of 2023. 新聞來源: The Phnom Penh Post   11 May 2023 Chinese firm to invest $138 million in Kratie tire plant 中國公司將在柬埔寨桔井省的輪胎工廠投資 1.38 億美元 Chinese tire company, Newbustar (Cambodia) Tire Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Double Star Group, is investing $138 million to build the first tire factory in a special economic zone in Kratie province, about 250 kilometers northeast of Phnom Penh. “The company’s investment will promote friendly trade between China and Cambodia, promote the Kingdom’s industrial and economic development, and create more jobs for the people,” Newbustar said. The factory has an annual production capacity of 8.5 million high-performance radial tires. The governor also praised the achievements and development of the zone, which he said had contributed to the local economy. The company’s investment in the SEZ is contributing to the socio-economic development of Snuol district, Kratie province, and Cambodia as a whole. The investment is promoting economic growth by creating jobs. 新聞來源: Khmer Time   11 May 2023  Cambodia’s international trade declines 14.1% 柬埔寨國際貿易額前四月下降14.1% Cambodia’s international trade stood at $15.16 billion for January to April this year, a decline of 14.1 percent, compared to the same period last year, according to the trade data released by the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) yesterday. While the total exports for the period were recorded as $7.23 billion, showing a decline of 4.9 percent, imports stood at $7.92 billion, a decline of 21.1 percent. For the first four months of the year, Cambodia has a trade deficit of $692.79 million. China is Cambodia’s biggest trade partner with a trade volume of $3.89 billion, followed by the US with $2.52 billion. Vietnam is the third biggest trade partner of the country with $2.43 billion. 新聞來源: Khmer Time   12 May 2023  SME Bank released $53M for tourism business firms 中小企業銀行為旅遊企業批准放貸 5300 萬美元 Small and Medium Enterprise Bank of Cambodia Plc. has approved loans to 346 tourism-related firms totaling $53.46M or 35.64 percent of the $150M budget, said a top official of the bank. As of April 30, this year, the SME Bank has approved financing loans of 29 percent for hotels, 25 percent for guesthouses, 31 percent for restaurants and 15 percent for supporting other tourism businesses. Women entrepreneurs participated in the development of the tourism industry to the extent of 41 percent. In a statement made last week on May 4, Minister of Tourism Thong Khon expressed confidence that the successful hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games would help promote the Kingdom as a popular tourist destination and increase the number of foreign visitors in the future. 新聞來源: Khmer Time   12 May 2023 $60M World Bank support for Cambodia’s solid waste and plastics management 世界銀行提供 6000 萬美元以支持柬埔寨的固體廢物和塑料管理 The World Bank Board of Executive Directors on Wednesday approved a $60 million International Development Association credit to support Cambodia’s improvement of solid waste and plastic management. The project will be co-financed by a grant from the PROBLUE Trust Fund in the amount of $3 million, the bank said in a release. It said economic growth, urbanization, and tourism have led to a substantial increase in solid waste and plastics use in Cambodia over the years. As a result of low collection rates and inadequate treatment and disposal of waste, the dumping of waste and plastics in the environment and waterways, street littering, and the practice of burning have become widespread. In addition, inadequate regulatory frameworks, policies, and enabling conditions are limiting the effectiveness of waste management efforts, the bank pointed out.  新聞來源: Khmer Time   12 May 2023 Cambodia loans from banks and microfinance institutions worth $47B 柬埔寨銀行和小額信貸機構放貸金額達470億美元 Banks and microfinance institutions provided credit loans worth $47 billion for 4.6 million Cambodians in 25 provincial and capital until 2022, said a report from Credit Bureau (CBC). CBC, a tech company offering credit reports and compliance solutions, said in the report that 60 percent of the loans were handed over to beneficiaries from Phnom Penh, Kandal, Siem Reap, and Banteay Meanchey, the top four provincial capitals. As per the report, more than 42 percent of all loans offered went to people as well as organizations based in Phnom Penh with the number of borrowers put at 6.17 million. 新聞來源: Khmer Time