Osaka, Japan – July 04, 2025 – The National Bank of Cambodia and Payments Japan Association (JPA) held a ceremony to officially launch Phase 1 of Cross-Border QR Code Payments between Cambodia and Japan. The ceremony was presided over by H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, alongside Mr. EZAWA Masana, Deputy Director General from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, in Osaka, Japan.
Building on the Memorandum of Cooperation between the National Bank of Cambodia and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan regarding “Unified QR Code-Based Payments,” signed on December 18, 2023, the National Bank of Cambodia and the Payments Japan Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on April 21, 2025, to enable cross-border QR payment interconnection between KHQR and JPQR. Under this MOU, PJA was designated as the project operator to oversee implementation of the project. The successful completion of this initiative marks a key milestone in Cambodia–Japan digital payment collaboration.
This official launch will allow Cambodian citizen to experience the efficient, convenient and seamless cross-border payment by using Bakong app or Mobile banking apps to scan with JPQR in Japan.
H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, said, “This initiative underscores Cambodia’s advancement in establishing a digital infrastructure for cross-border transactions, fostering collaboration and mutual growth. It is more than a technical breakthrough; it serves as a bridge between our cultures, our economies, and our people. It reflects our dedication to harness technology for sustainable and inclusive growth—and to ensure that Cambodians are fully equipped to participate in the global digital economy. “
Mr. FUKUDA Yoshio, General Director of Payments Japan Association, stated, “We hereby express our profound appreciation to all stakeholders who supported the realization of this initiative, with particular gratitude to the governments of both Cambodia and Japan. Today’s announcement marks a pivotal step in this endeavor. We anticipate that this linkage will contribute to the increase of cross-border exchanges beyond payment, creating connections and networks that would enable continued growth and prosperity for Cambodia and Japan.”