AKP Phnom Penh, June 03, 2026 --

Cambodia and India have officially launched the first phase of cross-border QR code payment connectivity, enabling Indian visitors to make payments at merchants nationwide through the KHQR system.

The event was held in Phnom Penh on June 2 and presided over by H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia; H.E. Mr. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of India to Cambodia; and Mr. Saswat Kumar Mahapatra, General Manager of the Reserve Bank of India.

The event brought together approximately 190 representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, the Cambodia Tourism Board, the Cambodia Hotel Association, and the Cambodia Restaurant Association, as well as the Association of Banks in Cambodia, the Cambodia Microfinance Association, and the Cambodian Association of Finance and Technology.

Representatives from various banks and financial institutions, along with Indian food court owners operating in Cambodia, also attended the official launch ceremony.

Driven by the increasing influx of Indian tourists to Cambodia, the official launch of Phase 1 marks a significant milestone in streamlining the retail payment process by allowing visitors to easily scan KHQR codes at 4.5 million merchant locations nationwide.

Through their mobile banking applications, Indian travellers can settle payments for goods and services efficiently and securely. Phase 1 is set to drive broader economic integration, fostering financial innovation while providing a strategic boost to trade, investment, and tourism between the two nations.

The success of this cross-border project was achieved through the close cooperation between NPCI International Payments Limited, India's national payment network Bank Plc as a sponsoring bank in Cambodia.

The initiative to develop this cross-border QR Code payment project reflects Cambodia's long-term vision of strengthening economic connectivity with global partners, while continuing to reinforce cooperation with ASEAN countries.

This achievement highlights the joint efforts of both public and private sectors in deepening diplomatic relations between Cambodia and India.

By facilitating a more seamless exchange of digital innovation, this project serves as a cornerstone for broader economic and cultural integration, ensuring that both nations' financial systems remain at the forefront of the regional digital transformation. 

By Chea Vannak