Osaka: The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the Payments Japan Association (PJA) have officially launched cross-border payments via QR Code, under the theme “Cross-Border QR Payment Cooperation between Cambodia (KHQR) and Japan (JPQR) for Phase 1: Cambodia scans Japan via ACLEDA Super App,” at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. The event was presided over by NBC Governor H.E. Dr. Chea Serey and Mr. Ezawa Masana, Deputy Director-General of the Commerce and Service Industry Policy Group, METI.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, ACLEDA Bank expressed its delight at being appointed by NBC as the sponsoring bank for the cross-border QR Code payment initiative with Japan. This project, initiated by NBC and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), involves several key players. ACLEDA Bank will integrate the cross-border banking system in Cambodia, providing payment services, dispute resolution, and technical support. Netstars Co., Ltd. will ensure stable international payment technology and network connectivity, while Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) will act as the settlement bank in Japan.
This initiative aims to support digital payments, enhance transaction security, and facilitate seamless cross-border payments. It is expected to stimulate tourism, reduce cash usage, and save time for visitors to both countries. Local businesses will benefit from the ability to accept cross-border QR code payments, offering diverse payment options to residents of both nations. This system will allow businesses to manage operations securely and conveniently in real-time, while also being cost-effective.
The initiative is anticipated to boost trade, investment, and tourism, fostering economic growth in both countries. Dr. In Channy, President and Group Managing Director of ACLEDA Bank, highlighted the successful launch of cross-border QR payments with Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, and the expansion of this mission to Japan. ACLEDA Bank plans to further extend the scope of cross-border QR payments with Singapore, India, and other countries in the region.
The collaboration between Cambodia (KHQR) and Japan (JPQR) is structured in two phases. Phase 1 allows Cambodian Bakong system users to make payments in Japan by scanning JPQR codes. Phase 2 will enable Japanese users to pay in Cambodia by scanning KHQR codes. Dr. In Channy emphasized the importance of close collaboration with public and private sector partners and relevant institutions in both countries to ensure the successful implementation of this system.