Tag: Financial Inclusion

CMA and CGCC Partner to Enhance Financial Inclusion and Promote Green Financing in Cambodia

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

Cambodia Investment Review

The Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) and the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance financial inclusion and sustainability across Cambodia. The partnership, formalized during the CGCC Annual Seminar on “Innovation of Credit Guarantee to Promote Green Financing,” presided over by H.E. Ros Seilava, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Chairman of CGCC, aims to drive financial literacy, promote digital finance, and foster green financing initiatives.

Read More: Cambodia Microfinance Association Catalyzes Global Efforts in Sustainable, Inclusive Finance at 2024 AGM

Strategic Focus on Capacity Building and Green Finance

Under the three-year agreement, CMA and CGCC will collaborate on a range of initiatives to strengthen the capacity of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), banking and financial institutions (BFIs), and stakeholders. Key areas of cooperation include:

  • Capacity Development: Joint training programs and workshops for BFIs, MSMEs, and stakeholders to enhance skills and knowledge.
  • Financial Literacy: Increasing awareness and accessibility of financial services among Cambodians.
  • Digital Financial Services: Promoting innovative solutions to improve financial inclusion.
  • Green Sector Initiatives: Encouraging sustainable practices in the financial sector to support environmental objectives.

“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,” said Oknha Hout Ieng Tong, CMA representative.

Enhancing Access to Underserved Businesses

The partnership will leverage CGCC’s credit guarantees to expand access to financing for underserved businesses, supporting their growth and integration into Cambodia’s financial system.

“We are excited to collaborate with CMA to enhance financial literacy and provide better access to financial services. This MoU is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainability in Cambodia,” said Mr. No Lida, Chief Executive Officer of CGCC.

By focusing on financial literacy and green financing, the partnership aligns with Cambodia’s broader economic development goals. Both organizations have committed to ensuring the confidentiality of shared information and the effective execution of initiatives outlined in the MoU.

Credit to: Cambodia Investment Review, Published on 24 January 2025

GuarantCo and CGCC Sign Deal to Accelerate Sustainable Infrastructure Investment

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

GuarantCo, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) have signed a Framework Agreement as part of the PIDG Credit Enhancement Facility (CEF) initiative.

The initiative seeks to accelerate the development of domestic capital markets and enhance financial inclusion through developing onshore guarantee capability. The Framework Agreement encompasses counter- and co-guarantee support from GuarantCo and technical assistance from PIDG Technical Assistance to help boost CGCC’s capacity. The Framework Agreement is also aligned with the mandate and prioritisation from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia who are seeking to deepen the corporate and project bond market in Cambodia.

The Framework was signed alongside the first transaction between GuarantCo and CGCC, wherein GuarantCo has provided a 10-year, USD 7 million portfolio guarantee to CGCC. Marking GuarantCo’s fourth investment in Cambodia, the portfolio guarantee will allow CGCC to mobilise further bank lending towards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country, with a focus on businesses supporting the green transition.

SME development is a high priority for Cambodia where a lack of access to formal banking services is common due to the nascency of green financing in the country.

The Framework Agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in August 2024, which seeks to increase and upscale CGCC’s capacity through its involvement in a range of large-scale Corporate and Project finance deals. CGCC and GuarantCo will look to execute counter- and co-guarantees under the Framework, with a particular focus on catalysing sustainable infrastructure financing via the capital markets in Cambodia.

The accompanying PIDG TA grant programme will support CGCC to develop its technical capabilities in capital markets, allowing both organisations to scale their impact in Cambodia.

Denesh Srishanker, Group Head, Credit Enhancement Facilities at PIDG, said: “The signing of this Framework Agreement and completion of its first transaction less than five months after our MoU with CGCC is testimony to the market acceleration we want to achieve together. Establishing in-country credit enhancement facilities is key to support local market development and is therefore an integral part of PIDG’s 2030 Strategy to mobilise innovative infrastructure projects across Africa and Asia.”

Chinmay Naralkar, Deputy CEO at GuarantCo, said: “We are delighted to put into place this Framework Agreement with the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia and whilst cementing it with an inaugural transaction. The Framework will support CGCC’s growth in providing progressive sustainable infrastructure financing through local capital markets to support a green transition. Aligned with our strategic plans, we look forward to continuing to build our momentum in Cambodia to the benefit of the environment and local people and their livelihoods.”

No Lida, CEO of the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia, said: “We are pleased to demonstrate early progress in our collaboration with GuarantCo and PIDG with this Framework and our first international deal. This initiative aligns with CGCC’s strategy to enhance our bond guarantee capacity and support the development of SMEs in Cambodia. We seek to embed the international best practices represented by GuarantCo and PIDG as we build our capacity. This is a true cooperation in which we will learn from each other’s expertise while driving forward sustainable infrastructure for Cambodia.”

Credit to: Kiripost, Published on 17 January 2025

Guarantco and CGCC Sign Framework Agreement and First Transaction Together To Accelerate Sustainable Infrastructure Investment In Cambodia

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

Cambodia Investment Review

GuarantCo, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) have signed a Framework Agreement as part of the PIDG Credit Enhancement Facility (CEF) initiative.

The initiative seeks to accelerate the development of domestic capital markets and enhance financial inclusion through developing onshore guarantee capability. The Framework Agreement encompasses counter- and co-guarantee support from GuarantCo and technical assistance from PIDG Technical Assistance to help boost CGCC’s capacity. The Framework Agreement is also aligned with the mandate and prioritisation from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia who are seeking to deepen the corporate and project bond market in Cambodia.

USD 7 Million Portfolio Guarantee To CGCC

The Framework was signed alongside the first transaction between GuarantCo and CGCC, wherein GuarantCo has provided a 10-year, USD 7 million portfolio guarantee to CGCC. Marking GuarantCo’s fourth investment in Cambodia, the portfolio guarantee will allow CGCC to mobilise further bank lending towards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country, with a focus on businesses supporting the green transition.

Read More: No Lida Appointed as CEO of Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia

SME development is a high priority for Cambodia where a lack of access to formal banking services is common due to the nascency of green financing in the country.

The Framework Agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in August 2024, which seeks to increase and upscale CGCC’s capacity through its involvement in a range of large-scale Corporate and Project finance deals. CGCC and GuarantCo will look to execute counter- and co-guarantees under the Framework, with a particular focus on catalysing sustainable infrastructure financing via the capital markets in Cambodia.

The accompanying PIDG TA grant programme will support CGCC to develop its technical capabilities in capital markets, allowing both organisations to scale their impact in Cambodia.

CGCC Is Testimony To The Market Acceleration

Denesh Srishanker, Group Head, Credit Enhancement Facilities at PIDG, said: “The signing of this Framework Agreement and completion of its first transaction less than five months after our MoU with CGCC is testimony to the market acceleration we want to achieve together. Establishing in-country credit enhancement facilities is key to support local market development and is therefore an integral part of PIDG’s 2030 Strategy to mobilise innovative infrastructure projects across Africa and Asia.”

Chinmay Naralkar, Deputy CEO at GuarantCo, said: “We are delighted to put into place this Framework Agreement with the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia and whilst cementing it with an inaugural transaction. The Framework will support CGCC’s growth in providing progressive sustainable infrastructure financing through local capital markets to support a green transition. Aligned with our strategic plans, we look forward to continuing to build our momentum in Cambodia to the benefit of the environment and local people and their livelihoods.”

No Lida, CEO of the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia, said: “We are pleased to demonstrate early progress in our collaboration with GuarantCo and PIDG with this Framework and our first international deal. This initiative aligns with CGCC’s strategy to enhance our bond guarantee capacity and support the development of SMEs in Cambodia. We seek to embed the international best practices represented by GuarantCo and PIDG as we build our capacity. This is a true cooperation in which we will learn from each other’s expertise while driving forward sustainable infrastructure for Cambodia.”

Credit to: Cambodia Investment Review, Published on 18 January 2025

 

GuarantCo, CGCC Sign FWA to Boost Financial Inclusion

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

GuarantCo, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) signed a Framework Agreement (FWA) to enhance domestic capital market financial inclusion through developing onshore guarantee capability.

This collaboration, part of the PIDG Credit Enhancement Facility (CEF) initiative, aims to develop onshore guarantee capabilities to foster financial inclusion and accelerate capital market growth, read a press release issued last Friday.

The agreement outlined a framework for counter- and co-guarantee support from GuarantCo and technical assistance from PIDG Technical Assistance to help boost CGCC’s capacity.

The FWA is also aligned with the mandate and prioritisation from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia who are seeking to deepen the corporate and project bond market in Cambodia.

The FWA was signed alongside the first transaction between GuarantCo and CGCC, wherein GuarantCo provided a 10-year, $7 million portfolio guarantee to CGCC.

Marking GuarantCo’s fourth investment in Cambodia, the portfolio guarantee will allow CGCC to mobilize further bank lending towards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country, with a focus on businesses supporting the green transition.

SME development is a high priority for Cambodia where a lack of access to formal banking services is common due to the nascence of green financing in the country.

The agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in August 2024, which seeks to increase and upscale CGCC’s capacity through its involvement in a range of large-scale corporate and project finance deals.

CGCC and GuarantCo will look to execute counter- and co-guarantees under the FWA, with a particular focus on catalyzing sustainable infrastructure financing via the capital markets in Cambodia, said the statement.

The accompanying PIDG TA grant program will support CGCC in developing its technical capabilities in capital markets, allowing both organisations to scale their impact in Cambodia.

Denesh Srishanker, Group Head, Credit Enhancement Facilities at PIDG, said that the signing of this FWA and completion of its first transaction less than five months after our MoU with CGCC is testimony to the market acceleration we want to achieve together.

“Establishing in-country credit enhancement facilities is key to support local market development and is therefore an integral part of PIDG’s 2030 Strategy to mobilise innovative infrastructure projects across Africa and Asia,” said Srishanker.

Chinmay Naralkar, Deputy CEO at GuarantCo, said GuarantCo is delighted to put into place this FWA with the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia while cementing it with an inaugural transaction.

“The Framework will support CGCC’s growth in providing progressive sustainable infrastructure financing through local capital markets to support a green transition. Aligned with our strategic plans, we look forward to continuing to build our momentum in Cambodia to the benefit of the environment and local people and their livelihoods,” Naralkar said.

No Lida, CEO of the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia, said that this initiative aligns with CGCC’s strategy to enhance our bond guarantee capacity and support the development of SMEs in Cambodia.

“We seek to embed the international best practices represented by GuarantCo and PIDG as we build our capacity. This is a true cooperation in which we will learn from each other’s expertise while driving forward sustainable infrastructure for Cambodia,” he said.

Credit to: Khmer Times, Published on 20 January 2025

CGCC Participates as a Speaker in the Program My Money, My Life of Women’s Radio, Supported by the Association of Banks in Cambodia

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

On December 19, 2024, Ms. Pin Manika, Manager of Marketing and Business Development of Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC), participated as a guest speaker in the program “My Money, My Life”, produced by Women’s Radio, supported by the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC), in which the topic was designed to raise public awareness about CGCC, conditions and procedures for obtaining guarantees, and especially the benefits of credit guarantee mechanisms for businesses. 

Through this program, Ms. Manika shared about the role, products, and services of CGCC to inform the public for more awareness of CGCC and enable business owners to benefit from using credit guarantee services by applying for business loans to CGCC’s Participating Financial Institutions including banks/microfinance institutions, in cases of lack or insufficient collateral. She also highlighted success story of a woman business owner who applied for guaranteed loan from CGCC’s partnered bank, giving more access to loans for essential uses. In addition, she also shared about CGCC’s involvement in capacity building and improving financial literacy for SMEs, which is one of CGCC’s priorities. 

As a recommendation and suggestion to business owners especially SMEs, she encouraged them to be well prepared to receive formal loans by preparing financial reports correctly and according to standards in order to develop themselves into standard business companies in the long term, and requested CGCC’s PFIs to continue to further promote to all employees and branches about CGCC’s credit guarantee services, which can help ease collateral requirements and improve SME’s access to formal loans. 

 

 

Entrepreneurship Program Initiative of CGCC (EPIC) 3rd Series of 2024

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

On 06 December 2024, at the Business Development Center, Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC), and J Trust Royal Bank, co-organized the EPIC 3rd Series of 2024 on “Effective Business Operation in the Digital Age for MSMEs”, participated by around 50 trainees from the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in which approximately 65% are women entrepreneurs, and around 10 students from the AMT scholarship-Alumni Association.

The EPIC 3rd Series of 2024 was attended with high honor for the certificate presentation ceremony to all participants, trainers and distinguished speakers by His Excellency Dr. Mey Vann, Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy and Finance and the chair of the Group 6 of the A.M.T Scholarship Students-Alumni Association, and under the honor presence of Lok Chumteav You Bory, Vice President of the Cambodian Women’s Association, Mr. No Lida, CEO of CGCC, Ms. Hang Chuon Narita, Chief of Corporate Banking of J Trust Royal Bank, Mr. Pea Vanchhay, Head of SME of Corporate Banking of J Trust Royal Bank, and the management teams of both CGCC and J Trust Royal Bank.

Through this EPIC 3rd Series of 2024, all participants learned about “Business Operations in the Digital Age for MSMEs” shared by Ms. Sem Sreytouch, Founder of EPL Pollinate Enterprise and President of Cambodia Honey Association. Ms. Sreytouch shared comprehensive digital tools to streamline business operations, how to use digital tools to increase sales, business operation management, customer relations and promotion of products or services, cyber security, and shared strategies for adapting to future market trends and digitalization to stay sustainable and competitive in the digital era. All participants also shared their own practical experiences with each other through active group discussions on topics surrounding the importance of using digital tools and systems, challenges in transitioning to digital, and suggestions or requests for enhancing the performance of MSMEs.

In addition, participants also learned about “Credit Guarantee Mechanisms to Support Access to Finance for SMEs” through a presentation by Ms. Lim Chanthida, Director of Centralized Operations of CGCC. In line with the credit guarantee mechanism, Mr. Poch Pisal, Relationship Manager of SME of Corporate Banking of J Trust Royal Bank, also shared  “Credit Assessment Process and Financial Solutions for Businesses, and in particular, Support for Women Entrepreneurs.” with participants.

Capacity-building is one of the priorities of CGCC in the mission of improving financial inclusion and developing SMEs in Cambodia. EPIC is the flagship entrepreneurs’ capacity-building program of CGCC that will provide training to MSMEs on relevant and practical topics of business operations and management for entrepreneurs in collaboration with related stakeholders/Participating Financial Institutions/participants.

 

Maybank’s New Financing Scheme to Boost SMEs

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

Maybank Cambodia, in partnership with the USAID-funded Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest III project and the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC), on Saturday launched the ‘SME Export Finance Solution’ to support the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

This initiative also includes the Building Capacity and Capability (BCC) programme for SMEs.

The partnership between the three parties aims to elevate the competitiveness of local SMEs on the global stage, fostering sustainable growth and strengthening Cambodia’s presence in international markets.

By offering tailored financial products—such as working capital loans, trade finance, competitive foreign exchange in 21 currencies, remittance solutions, and export credit facilities—the initiative equips SMEs with resources to overcome financial barriers.

The launch of the ‘SME Export Finance Solution’ was marked by the signing of an agreement between Rath Sophoan, Chief Executive Officer and Country Head of Maybank Cambodia and Nimish Jhaveri, Chief of Party of Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest III.

In his welcoming remarks, Sophoan said that the SME Export Finance Solution will be a game-changer for Cambodian businesses aiming to expand exports to existing or new international markets.

“By empowering SMEs to overcome traditional barriers to finance, this partnership advances individual business growth while contributing to the broader economic development of Cambodia,” he stated.

“As SMEs are the backbone of the Cambodian economy, by equipping them to succeed in export markets, this collaboration will fuel job creation, foster sustainable economic growth, and strengthen Cambodia’s position as a competitive player in the ASEAN region and beyond,” Sophoan noted.

“This initiative also reinforces Maybank’s commitment to its role as the Best ASEAN Bank in Cambodia, leading the way in regional economic empowerment,” he added.

Nimish Jhaveri, Chief of the Party of Feed, the Future Cambodia Harvest III, said the new trade financing solution would provide SMEs with the necessary capital to manage production costs, invest in quality improvements, and fulfil international orders.

“An effective trade financing solution is crucial for these enterprises, as it not only helps bridge cash flow gaps but also enables them to compete more effectively by facilitating timely deliveries and expanding their market reach,” he noted.

“Together, we ensure that these enterprises are equipped not only with financial resources but also with the knowledge and expertise required to succeed globally,” Jhaveri added.

In conjunction with the SME Export Finance Solution, Maybank Cambodia, CGCC, and Harvest III also announced the ‘SME Building Capacity & Capability (BCC) Programme 2024 & 2025’, a flagship initiative designed to further equip SMEs with essential business skills and knowledge.

Since its inception in 2021, the BCC Programme has trained hundreds of SMEs on business fundamentals, advanced techniques, and modern technologies.

Building on this success, in 2024 and 2025, the programme aims to deliver specialised sessions on trade finance solutions, financial management, and strategic planning, led by industry experts from the accounting and business, consulting, and finance sectors. This training empowers SMEs with practical insights and skills needed to enhance their operations and optimise their growth potential.

No Lida, CGCC’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed his strong support for this initiative, stating that the BCC programme equips SMEs with essential skills and knowledge, empowering them to access finance and expand their businesses.

“Through this initiative, we can help improve financial literacy and lay the groundwork for SMEs to thrive locally and internationally. This programme is a crucial step toward our shared vision of fostering a resilient and dynamic SME sector that significantly contributes to Cambodia’s economic growth,” Lida said.

With this initiative, Maybank Cambodia, Harvest III, and CGCC are building a robust support ecosystem for Cambodian SMEs, positioning them to thrive in domestic and global markets.

This initiative provides SMEs with the resources, knowledge, and confidence to scale their businesses and pursue international opportunities through the combined power of financial solutions, capacity-building programmes, and reduced collateral requirements through credit guarantees.

 

Credit to: Khmer Times, published on 25 November 2024

CGCC Provides $240 Million Worth Credit Guarantees for MSMEs

Posted on by Sorn Chhorvyvatey

The Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) has provided credit guarantees of $240 million to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as their working capital for expansion.

“As of the end of October 2024, CGCC has supported 2,858 MSMEs by providing credit guarantees for their loan applications, amounting to $240.59 million,” CGCC said in a press release on Wednesday.

The outstanding guaranteed loan as of October was $142.78 million while the outstanding guaranteed amount was $104.36 million, read the report.

There are 2,683 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and 175 large businesses in Cambodia, the report said, adding that 1,247 of the businesses were women-owned.

Ros Seilava, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, said that the CGCC plays a role in developing credit guarantee mechanisms that lead to the development of financing mechanisms and financial products that can contribute to economic diversification and increasing competitiveness in line with the Pentagonal strategy for growth.

“While the global economic model is changing, the CGCC has an important role to play in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to have access to adequate financing to seize investment opportunities, increase employment and revenue aims to boost economic growth and achieve Cambodia’s vision in 2030 and 2050,” he said.

The CGCC scheme involves 28 participating financial institutions (PFIs) to extend credit as working capital investment and business expansion to SMEs.

Established in November 2020 with a state budget of $200 million, the CGCC is the preferred credit guarantee institution in Cambodia set up to improve financial inclusion and develop the growth of SMEs.

CGCC’s credit guarantee is instrumental in aiding MSMEs to obtain sufficient financing, enabling the enterprises to capitalize on investment opportunities, boost employment and increase income.

In January this year, CGCC also launched its guarantee for corporate bonds listed on the Cambodian Stock Exchange.

This marks the diversification of its guarantees beyond bank loans to guarantee corporate bonds issued by larger-sized SMEs.

 

Credit to: Khmer Times, published on 14 November 2024

 

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