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

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

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

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

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

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

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 participated in the panel discussion on Finance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

On 04 January 2025, at the Khmer Enterprise’s office, Mr. Yun Phan, Director of Strategy and Business Development of CGCC, participated as a panelist in the panel discussion on “Finance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)”, organized as a final session of the “Enterprise Financial Day” Program season 2 of Khmer Enterprises (KE).

Through this panel discussion, Mr. Yun Phan shared the participants with the credit guarantee mechanisms and the benefits for SMEs. He emphasized how CGCC’s services and products, including Loan Guarantees, Bond Guarantees, and Capacity Building Programs, can enhance SMEs’ access to financing from financial institutions for developing their SMEs.

The participants not only learned from the distinguished speakers about the outlook and trends of financing for SMEs in Cambodia, including challenges and solutions, but also had the opportunity to address questions about challenges they have been facing and seeking recommendations from speakers to improve business operations and expand financial knowledge for obtaining financing from banks/MFIs under the favorable terms.

 

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

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

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.