Tag: Financial Inclusion

Post-Harvest Fisheries Businesses Receive Financing Support

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

The Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) and the EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture project have marked a major milestone in their efforts to support local fish processing enterprises.

On February 21, the two organisations signed support agreements for the first group of 11 enterprises, which have already benefitted from approximately $320,000 in grant funding under the Investment Support Facility (ISF).

This financial support is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Cambodia’s post-harvest fisheries sector by providing vital resources for business growth, food safety compliance and market expansion.

The ISF combines grant funding, loans and contributions from beneficiaries to offer a comprehensive financial package.

“It is administered by the CGCC in collaboration with the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Fisheries Administration (FiA),” explained a joint press release.

This innovative financing scheme totals approximately $2.5 million.

It includes $1 million in grant funds (40% of the total investment) for equipment support, $1.25 million (50%) in loans from participating financial institutions (PFIs) guaranteed by the CGCC, and $250,000 (10%) contributed by the beneficiaries themselves.

“Since its inception in late 2024, the ISF has welcomed its first group of 11 fish processing enterprises, with many more in the pipeline for this groundbreaking support,” it said.

“The project has provided its initial grant funding of around $320,000, leveraging an additional $340,000 guaranteed loans from CGCC’s partners, such as ACLEDA Bank and Maybank Cambodia, along with $580,000 from the enterprises themselves,” it added.

This collaborative funding structure is designed to provide a balanced approach to supporting business development, market access and sustainability.

The primary aim of the ISF is to assist post-harvest fisheries enterprises in improving their operations, meeting international food safety standards and expanding their market reach both domestically and internationally.

By focusing on sectors with high growth potential, particularly those led by women, youth and persons with disabilities, the ISF ensures that financial inclusion is central to its objectives.

All post-harvest fisheries enterprises are encouraged to apply for funding, as limited resources are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Credit to: The Phnom Penh Post, Published on 26 February 2025

 

Fish Processing Businesses Receive Funding Boost to Expand

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

Small- and medium-sized fish processing enterprises are set to see their operations expand after an agreement was signed between the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia and CAPFISH-Capture.

Eleven fish processing enterprises are set to benefit from support agreements signed between the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) and the EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries Development in a major milestone in promoting financial inclusion and growth in the post-harvest fisheries sector.

On February 21, 2025, the two organisations officially signed an agreement for 11 fish processing enterprises as part of the Investment Support Facility (ISF). The financing scheme totals approximately $2.5 million.

This comprises $1 million in grant funds (40 percent of total investment) from the project as equipment support, $1.25 million (50 percent) in loans from participating financial institutions (PFIs) guaranteed by the CGCC, and $250,000 (10 percent) contributed by the beneficiaries.

The ISF is an initiative under the CAPFISH-Capture project funded by the EU and administered by the CGCC in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Fisheries Administration (FiA).

“Since its inception in late 2024, the ISF has welcomed its first group of 11 fish processing enterprises, with many more in the pipeline for this groundbreaking support,” according to a statement.

“The project has provided its initial grant funding of around $320,000, leveraging an additional $340,000 guaranteed loans from CGCC’s PFIs, such as ACLEDA Bank and Maybank Cambodia, along with $580,000 from the enterprises themselves.”

The ISF has a primary focus on supporting post-harvest fisheries enterprises who are aiming to boost their operations and expand their market reach nationally and internationally. It has a strong emphasis on empowering businesses led by women, youth and people with disabilities.

Through the initiative, the CGCC and CAPFISH-Capture project aim to help eligible post-harvest fisheries enterprises meet food safety and market standards. Tailored support includes assistance with business development, market linkages, food safety compliance, and environmental and social safeguards.

For more information on the initiative and how post-harvest fisheries enterprises can apply for the funding through the CGCC website.

Credit to: KIRIPOST, Published on 26 February 2025

Investment Support Facility (ISF): CGCC, Participating Financial Institutions & EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture Team Up to Boost Investments in the Fisheries Sector

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

Phnom Penh, 26 February 2025 – On February 21, 2025, the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) and the EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries Development project celebrated a significant milestone in promoting financial inclusion and growth for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the post-harvest fisheries sector. They officially signed support agreements for 11 fish processing enterprises as part of the Investment Support Facility (ISF).

The ISF, a key initiative under the CAPFISH-Capture project funded by the European Union (EU), is administered by the CGCC in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Fisheries Administration (FiA). This innovative financing scheme totals approximately US$2.5 million, comprising US$1 million in grant funds (40% of total investment) from the project as equipment support, US$1.25 million (50%) in loans from participating financial institutions (PFIs) guaranteed by the CGCC, and US$250,000 (10%) contributed by the beneficiaries themselves.

Since its inception in late 2024, the ISF has welcomed its first group of 11 fish processing enterprises, with many more in the pipeline for this groundbreaking support. The project has provided its initial grant funding of around US$320,000, leveraging an additional US$340,000 guaranteed loans from CGCC’s PFIs, such as ACLEDA Bank and Maybank Cambodia, along with US$580,000 from the enterprises themselves.

The ISF focuses primarily on supporting post-harvest fisheries enterprises eager to enhance their operations and expand their market reach, both nationally and internationally. There is a strong emphasis on empowering businesses led by women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Through the ISF initiative, the CGCC and the CAPFISH-Capture project are committed to helping eligible post-harvest fisheries enterprises meet food safety and market standards. Tailored support includes assistance with business development, market linkages, food safety compliance, and environmental and social safeguards.

For post-harvest fisheries enterprises, APPLY NOW! Limited funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about the ISF and the application process, visit: https://www.cgcc.com.kh/en/post-harvest-fishery-guarantee-scheme/

Email: [email protected]

Photo credit: @UNIDO_CAPFISH-Capture_Sovannarith NUTH
Photo credit: @UNIDO_CAPFISH-Capture_Sovannarith NUTH
Photo credit: @UNIDO_CAPFISH-Capture_Sovannarith NUTH

CGCC Internship Program 2025

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

CGCC is thrilled to announce our newly established “CGCC Internship Program” where students/fresh graduates will gain hands-on experience, expose themselves in a professional setting and work alongside seasoned professionals from different departments in CGCC based on their skills and career aspirations.

Qualification Requirements:

  • University students in their 4th year/fresh graduates
  • Have strong educational and extra-curricular track records (transcripts required)
  • Good English proficiency
  • Strong communication, leadership skills and analytical capabilities
  • Able to work as a full-time intern (8h/day) for the period of at least 3 months
  • Willing to take the challenges to improve their creativity and initiatives

Interested candidates, please submit your application with supporting documents to

Email: [email protected]

For more information, please contact: 023 722 123

 

Meet the Business Owner Who Received a Loan Guaranteed by CGCC

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

My dream is to invest in a business that can contribute to people’s well-being because good health and mental well-being are essential for a good quality of life. This is the main reason why my wife and I started two businesses, ADK Rice and Muny Clinic. I established ADK Rice company because I believe that rice is the a primary food for many people, and with the increasing population and decreasing agricultural land, ensuring a stable rice supply is crucial. My wife and I jointly established Muny Clinic with the vision of providing affordable and high-quality healthcare services.

Through my experience working for a large rice exporter in Cambodia, I became aware of the challenges faced by farmers in rural areas, so I decided to start retailing rice for local consumption, called Angkor Dey Khmer. In 2021, the business expanded and evolved into ADK Rice (Cambodia), a company that produces high-quality rice that complies with food safety standards and provides farmers with a sustainable market and increased their income by contract farming supply to my company. Muny Clinic is a medical care and treatment clinic that was established in 2018 by my wife and me. We are committed to providing quality and affordable healthcare services to Cambodians, with a particular focus on treating diabetes and offering regular health check-ups to prevent serious diseases.

The goal of doing business is to develop and grow. My clinic business is no different. We want to acquire modern medical equipment to enhance the clinic’s standards and grow our business. We have decided to apply for a loan from a bank to make our dreams a reality. However, we do not have enough collateral or land title to pledge with the bank. This challenge was overcome with the help of CGCC credit guarantees, which alleviated this challenge and enabled me to get a loan from Prince Bank to purchase clinical equipment.

I obtained a CGCC guarantee on my loan not by chance, but because of the knowledge I gained from participating in the CGCC Capacity Building Program called “EPIC” series 1 of 2024 in May 2024. Through EPIC, I learned about CGCC and partner banks that can provide loans to potential businesses with a clear business plan but face challenges due to  lack of collateral. After receiving the guaranteed loan, I purchased additional medical equipment for our new clinic building, which is in line with the purpose of that guaranteed loan, business plan, and investment plan. In addition, I also plan to apply for additional loans for working capital to buy paddy rice from farmers to increase the rice production of my AKD rice in the future.

As a business owner, I acknowledge that understanding financial literacy is very important because it allows us to think in detail about investing in all aspects, such as purchasing assets to generate more income rather than buying any non-income-generating assets. On the other hand, with financial literacy, we can effectively manage human resources by taking into account factors such as the number of employees, salaries, incentives, and benefits.

Read and Download in PDF: Meet the Business Owner Who Received a Loan Guaranteed by CGCC

 

Understanding Market Structure

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

What products or services are your business offering? Who else in the market is offering similar products or services? What is your business strategy to stay ahead of the competition? The answers to these questions relate to the market structure in which your business operates. Market structure refers to the characteristics of a market, including the number of firms, the nature of products and services, freedom of entry and exit, and so on. Market structure plays a pivotal role in the strategic decision-making of a business – how to operate and compete.

Perfect Competition

In Phnom Penh, if you wish to purchase a pure drinking water bottle to satisfy your thirst on a hot day, you have many options like Vital, Angkor Puro, Dasani, Oral, Hi-Tech, Aruna, Cambodia, etc. Despite the different branding, these products share a very similar taste and are generally priced at approximately 0.25 cents per bottle, representing the equilibrium price in this market. If sold at the same place and in the same setting, any products priced above this equilibrium price will eventually be out of the market. The customer is indifferent to switching between these products for the lowest cost. This market of pure drinking water can be a close example of perfect competition.

Perfect competition is a market structure where numerous firms offer identical products or services, and no single firm has the power to set the price. Buyers have complete information about the products and services, and the price is determined by supply and demand. Entry and exit into this market are extremely easy. The key to competing in this market is to set the price equal to the marginal cost, an additional cost for an additional output. 

It is indeed rare, if not impossible, to find perfect competition in real life. The conditions for perfect competition, where many firms offer the same products or services, buyers have all the information, and entry and exit are easy, are seldom met. However, perfect competition serves as a theoretical benchmark that helps us understand the dynamics of real-life markets.

Monopoly

When I rejoined the Ministry of Economy and Finance in 2010, I was involved in the first-ever Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Cambodia Securities Exchange. As the first IPO in Cambodia, the listing process of Phnom Penh Water Supply (PPWSA) was challenging and time-consuming. PPSWA was eventually listed successfully in April 2012, raising around USD 20 million. Equity investment in PPWSA is considered safe because PPSWA is the only licensed water supply operator in Phnom Penh and Ta Khmao. PPWSA offers an indispensable service (clean water supply) and has no competitors in its authorized areas. PPWSA can set the price without worrying about losing customers. In other words, PPSWA is a monopoly.

Monopoly is the opposite of perfect competition. In a monopoly, there is only one seller of a particular product and many buyers. There are barriers to entry. A monopoly maximizes profit by producing outputs when the marginal revenue (an additional earning from selling one extra unit) equals the marginal cost, and by charging the maximum price consumers are willing to pay for that output. However, the pricing strategy of monopolies is usually under strict government regulation to ensure social welfare. Other firms operating in Cambodia that can be considered monopolies include Electricity of Cambodia (EDC), NagaCorp, CINTRI, and the company I am serving, Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC).

Oligopoly

If you ask Cambodian people which mobile network service they are subscribed to, chances are they are using either Cellcard, Smart, or Metfone. These are the three leading players in this industry, holding more than 90% of the market share. Cellcard, Smart, and Metfone fiercely compete with one another on all fronts—price, product innovation, and advertising. Several mobile network companies have tried entering the Cambodian market to compete with these players. Most of them withdrew, such as Beelines and QB. The mobile network industry is an oligopoly.

An oligopoly is a market in which a small number of firms dominate and compete. This industry is highly competitive, and entering it is extremely difficult. The strategy of one firm can influence the strategies of other firms. Because there are only a few players, they often cooperate to limit output and charge higher prices to maximize their shared profits. This behavior is called collusion, which refers to the cooperation among firms in an oligopoly to make joint decisions and act as if they were a monopoly.

Other oligopoly industries include grocery store chains (Lucky Supermarket, AEON Supermarket, and CHIP MONG Supermarket), the retailed petroleum industry (TOTAL, TELA, and CALTEX), and movie cinemas (Legends and Major Cineplex).

Firms operating in different market structures require different strategies to compete and operate. So, which market structure is the best? It depends. Each market structure has its pros and cons depending on the industry and the Government’s policy toward the industry.

Summary of Market Structure

Read and Download in PDF: Understanding Market Structure

 

Understanding Credit Guarantee-Interview with Participating Financial Institution (Prince Bank)

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

1. What is Prince Bank’s perspective towards the credit guarantee schemes and why does Prince Bank partner with CGCC?

At Prince Bank, we have a clear vision of helping our customers achieve sustainable growth through comprehensive support and flexible lending options. Our strategic partnership with CGCC will bring us closer to this vision by providing entrepreneurs with better access to financing for their business expansion and growth, allowing them to operate with peace of mind. With our credit guarantee schemes, we firmly believe that our financial support will exceed our clients’ expectations.

2. How do the credit guarantee schemes benefit Prince Bank and your customers?

With the availability of credit guarantee schemes, both Prince Bank and its customers benefit from a reduced risk exposure for the bank and increased financing limits to meet business needs, regardless of the customers’ collateral availability.

3. So far, which type of loans does Prince Bank use the credit guarantees to support?

Since the inception of our partnership with CGCC, Prince Bank has utilized the credit guarantee to provide loans to customers as mentioned below:

  • Business Term Loan
  • Overdraft Loan
  • Trade Finance Facilities

4. How should the borrowers prepare themselves in order to get guaranteed loans from Prince Bank?

To borrow from Prince Bank, customers should diligently plan their business and determine their financial needs for growth. They can then consult with lending experts at any nearby Prince Bank branch for more information on available schemes. Once they have discussed and decided on a suitable scheme, they can submit a request to Prince Bank for further processing and approval based on its internal policy. CGCC will ultimately review this request for final approval on the proposed guaranteed scheme and amount, or Prince Bank will perform registration of the customer’s loan for CGCC’s guarantee after its internal approval.

5. What is the Prince Bank strategy/plan to further expand the disbursement of guaranteed loans in 2024 and also for the next year?

2024 was still a tough year for everyone, but Prince Bank is still open to lending to our customers, and we have spoken loud on our social media, website and newsagents on the availability of guaranteed schemes to help them if they don’t have sufficient collaterals for their borrowings. In 2025, we will continue our mission and commitment to provide financial support to our clients with a stronger collaboration with CGCC for existing and future suitable schemes.

Read and Download in PDF: Understanding Credit Guarantee-Interview with Participating Financial Institution (Prince Bank)

 

CMA and CGCC Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Financial Inclusion

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

The Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) and the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on promoting sustainable financial inclusion across Cambodia.

This official partnership was announced during the CGCC Annual Seminar on “Innovation of Credit Guarantee to Promote Green Financing” held here on Jan. 23 under the presidency of Ros Seilava, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Chairman of CGCC.

According to a joint press release, AKP received this morning, this strategic partnership aims to foster the growth of banking and financial institutions (BFIs) and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through capacity development, digital financial services, and enhanced financial literacy.

Under the MoU, CMA and CGCC will collaborate to strengthen and develop the capacity of MSMEs, BFIs, and stakeholders through training, workshops, seminars, and research studies.

This partnership will also focus on advancing financial literacy and digital finance and promoting the development of green finance in Cambodia. Both organisations are committed to leveraging their resources to ensure the successful implementation of various initiatives to boost the financial sector’s contribution to the country’s economic development.

Oknha Hout Ieng Tong, a CMA representative, said this partnership marks a significant step toward advancing financial inclusion in Cambodia.

“By combining our expertise and resources, we can create a more robust financial ecosystem that supports the growth of MSMEs and contributes to the country’s sustainable development,” he said.

No Lida, CGCC’S Chief Executive Officer, said that there are opportunities for CGCC, CMA, and CMA’s members to use credit guarantees to increase lending to underserved businesses across the country.

“This MoU is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainability in Cambodia,” he said.

The MoU is effective for three years from the date of signing and outlines a framework for cooperation in achieving the shared objectives.

Both parties are dedicated to ensuring the confidentiality of shared information and successfully executing agreed initiatives. AKP

Credit to: Khmer Times, Published on 24 January 2025

 

CGCC Annual Seminar on “Innovation of Credit Guarantee to Promote Green Financing

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

On 23 January 2025, Ministry of Economy and Finance and Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) co-organized the CGCC Annual Seminar on “Innovation of Credit Guarantee to Promote Green Financing”, presided over by H.E. Ros Seilava, Secretary of State of Ministry of Economy and Finance, high representative of H.E. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance, at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh.

CGCC Annual Seminar was organized to wrap up and celebrate accomplishments, review the progress of public credit guarantee schemes, award top-performing financial institutions, and launch new public credit guarantee product, as well as collect inputs from related stakeholders​ on innovating credit guarantee mechanisms to support green finance and develop small and medium enterprises in Cambodia. Approximately, around 150 participants from public institutions, domestic and international development partners, banks and microfinance institutions, securities firms, business associations, and related stakeholders attended the seminar.

Through this Annual Seminar, H.E. Ros Seilava officially launched the “Wholesale Guarantee Scheme of CGCC”, to provide guarantees on existing business loans of Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) to share risk with PFIs and reduce the risk weight on the part of the exposure that is guaranteed by CGCC. According to the Prakas Credit Risk for Capital Adequacy Ratios in Deposit-Taking Banks and Financial Institutions of the National Bank of Cambodia on 29 June 2023, exposures denominated in riel or currency that are clearly and unconditionally guaranteed by the Royal Government of Cambodia, including guarantees by credit guarantee schemes established by the Royal Government of Cambodia, are zero percent risk-weighted.

In addition, H.E. Ros Seilava granted the Ministry of Economy and Finance’s Outstanding Awards to participating financial institutions including Prince Bank, Sathapana Bank, Canadia Bank, LOLC Microfinance Institution, and ABA, that have disbursed the most guaranteed accounts and a Special Award to Phillip Bank for maintaining the best Asset Quality in Guaranteed Loans in 2024.

H.E. Ros Seilava mentioned “Ensuring sustainable socio-economic development and building resilience to climate change are strategic goals of the Royal Government of Cambodia, with a priority on increasing sustainable and green finance to increase financial flows towards green investment and the green economy, and promoting climate-resilient and low-carbon public investment, etc. Investing in climate change not only can bring financial returns, but also socio-economic benefits. Therefore, I encourage relevant parties to focus on cooperation with the Royal Government in examining the feasibility of developing financial products, designing and implementing projects, and developing support mechanisms to increase the provision of green finance in Cambodia.”

In this annual seminar, there were also the Signing Ceremony on Credit Guarantee Agreement between CGCC and 2 new Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), the Small and Medium Enterprise Bank of Cambodia (SME Bank) and Shinhan bank (Cambodia), and the Signing Ceremony on Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CGCC and Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) to improve financial inclusion and the financial literacy for SMEs.

Another objectives of the CGCC annual seminar is to create a discussion platform for sharing knowledge and experiences through a panel discussion on “Innovation of Credit Guarantee to Promote Green Financing”, shared by Mr. Kittipong Buranasiri , representative of Thai Credit Guarantee (TCG), Ms. Lee Hyeok, representative of Korea Credit Guarantee Fund (KODIT), Mr. Mohamed Azman Mohamed Taufik, representative of Credit Guarantee Corporation of Malaysia (CGC), and Mr. Nhim Soriya, representative of CGCC, moderated by Mr. Shakeel Ahmad, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Cambodia.

CGCC is a state-owned enterprise under the financial and technical guidance of the Ministry of Economy and Finance with a main mission to provide credit guarantees to improve financial inclusion and support the development of small and medium enterprises. CGCC has launched 5 individual guarantee schemes, 17 portfolio guarantee​ agreements, and bond guarantees, as well as the Entrepreneurship Program Initiative of CGCC (EPIC). As of 31 December 2024, after 4 years of operations, CGCC has approved credit guarantees on 3,139 accounts of business loans, amounting to USD 256.58 million across the country. Those businesses provide jobs for more than 30,000 employees.

Credit to: KIRIPOST, Published on 24 January 2025

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