Cambodia and Japan have launched Phase 1 of a cross-border QR code payment agreement, allowing Cambodian users to enjoy a new payment experience abroad. Through this initiative, Cambodians can now use KHQR via banking or mobile payment apps to scan and pay for goods and services at Japanese merchants using JPQR.
The new initiative was announced on July 4, during the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, with the participation of Chea Serey, governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), and Ezawa Masana, deputy director-general of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
During phase 1, Cambodians travelling to Japan who hold Khmer riel bank accounts can now make secure and seamless payments via KHQR for goods and services in Japan. In phase two – expected to be launched in the near future – Japanese nationals will be able to use their home-nation accounts to pay for goods and services in Cambodia.
The NBC explained that an April 21 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between itself and the Payments Japan Association (PJA) made the new connection possible. It built on an earlier December 2023 MoU between the national bank and the Japanese economic ministry which dealt with “Unified QR Code-Based payments”.
Under the latest MoU, the PJA was designated as the 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 the Bakong app or Mobile banking apps to scan with JPQR in Japan,” said the NBC.
“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,” noted Serey.
PJA director Fukuda Yoshio also shared the significance of the new agreement.
“We hereby express our profound appreciation to all stakeholders who supported the realisation of this initiative, with particular gratitude to the governments of both Cambodia and Japan. Today’s announcement marks a pivotal step in this endeavour. 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,” he said.
Hong Vanak, economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told The Post on July 7 that the new deal represents a new advancement in Cambodia’s financial sector, creating a more convenient and trustworthy environment for citizens of both countries to travel and conduct business.
“When payment methods are simple and efficient, it creates new momentum for attracting more foreign direct investment into Cambodia. The launch of this QR code-based cross-border payment system provides great convenience, especially for tourists. Once Japanese people can pay using QR codes in Cambodia, we can expect even more Japanese tourists and investors,” he noted.
Cambodia has already launched cross-border QR code payment systems with Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, South Korea, Malaysia and UnionPay International (UPI).
