Phnom penh: The Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), hosted a workshop on ‘Sustainability-Linked Bonds’ at Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh on July 15. The event, presided over by H.E. Sou Socheat, Director General of the SERC, aimed to equip participants with knowledge about Sustainability-Linked Bonds (SLBs) and their role in supporting a low-carbon economy.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the workshop brought together representatives from various organizations, including the National Bank of Cambodia, Cambodia Securities Exchange, and potential listed companies. The focus was on understanding SLBs, which are bond instruments whose financial characteristics depend on achieving predefined sustainability targets. These bonds help issuers raise funds to transition towards a low-carbon economy and are aligned with Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goals.
H.E. Sou Socheat emphasized the collaborative effort among regulators and market participants in Cambodia’s sustainable finance progress. The introduction of SLBs is part of SERC’s strategy to evolve the securities market, promoting economic resilience and inclusive growth.
Ms. Deanna Morris from ESCAP highlighted the organization’s role in supporting Cambodia’s sustainable bond market through the Cambodia Sustainable Bond Accelerator (CSBA) Programme. She noted the successful issuance of sustainable bonds, with over US$90 million in upcoming transactions, and expressed enthusiasm for supporting SLB issuances to drive environmental and social change.
Ms. Shomi Kim of GGGI remarked on the rapid evolution of Cambodia’s sustainable finance landscape, with over US$60 million mobilized through green and sustainability bonds. She affirmed GGGI’s commitment to advancing thematic bond issuances and increasing investor confidence as the next phase of the CSBA Programme launches.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Kelly Hattel from ADB acknowledged the workshop as a pivotal step in building momentum for SLB issuance in Cambodia. She highlighted the importance of collaboration in unlocking the potential of SLBs to diversify funding sources and support sustainable growth.