AKP Phnom Penh, March 20, 2026 -- The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) on Mar. 20 celebrated the 46th anniversary of the reintroduction of the Khmer Riel (Mar. 20, 1980 - Mar. 20, 2026), highlighting the importance of promoting the national currency in Cambodia’s economy and society.

The event was held under the presidency of H.E. Cheang Vun, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Economy, Finance, Banking, and Auditing, at the Institute of Banking Studies (IBS).

During the event, H.E. Yim Leat, Deputy Governor of NBC, presented key findings from two research studies conducted by the NBC in collaboration with the National Assembly and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cambodia.

The studies included a report on “Dollarisation and Its Impact on Cambodia’s Garment, Footwear, Travel Goods, and Bag Manufacturing Sector” and a survey on “Currency Usage in the Public Sector.”

The event also featured discussions on “Progress, Challenges, and Policies to Promote the Use of the Riel,” with participation from senior officials of the NBC, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, and the Association of Banks in Cambodia.

The celebration aimed to raise awareness of the importance of the Khmer Riel and encourage its broader use, with the participation of representatives from the National Assembly, ministries, public institutions, development partners, banking and financial institutions, stakeholders, and approximately 250 students.

By Chea Vannak