Cambodia, Laos launch 2nd phase of cross-border QR code payments

Cambodia, Laos launch 2nd phase of cross-border QR code payments

Cambodia and Laos on Friday launched the second phase of cross-border QR code payments, which allow Lao travellers to shop in Cambodia by using their own currency.

Chea Serey, governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, and Bounkham Vorachit, governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR, presided over the launch event in Phnom Penh, the capital.

“With the launch of this Phase 2, Lao citizens can now use their mobile banking applications to scan KHQR codes at around 4.5 million merchants across Cambodia,” Serey said.

She added that this initiative opened new opportunities for merchants in both countries to broaden their market reach while fostering trade, investment and tourism between the two neighbouring nations.

“Travellers will benefit from a seamless, fast, and secure cross-border payment experience,” she said.

Serey said the initiative served as a bridge connecting the culture, economies, and people of Cambodia and Laos.

“It supports economic ties by facilitating secure digital transactions, enhances tourism by simplifying payment processes and promotes deeper regional integration within ASEAN,” she said. “This launch also amplifies our shared commitment to realising ASEAN’s vision through an interconnected digital payment system.”

Bounkham said the second phase, or full launch, of the cross-border QR code payments allowed the people of Cambodia and Laos to pay for goods in their own currencies by scanning QR codes.

She said that from now on, Lao people travelling in Cambodia can pay in Lao kip for goods by scanning the KHQR codes on Cambodia’s Bakang app.

The second-phase launch followed both countries’ successful introduction of the first phase of cross-border QR code payment connectivity in August 2023, which enabled consumers using Cambodia’s Bakang app to scan Lao QR codes while visiting Laos. 

khmertimeskh