Cambodia's credit guarantee agency, chamber of commerce sign MoU to boost loan access for MSMEs

PHNOM PENH, April 28 (Xinhua) -- State-owned Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote access to guaranteed loans for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), said a joint statement on Friday.

The cooperation will provide support to MSMEs, mainly CCC members, with greater access to finance despite collateral challenges, and promote financial literacy, including credit guarantees to CCC members across the Southeast Asian country, the statement said.

The CGCC is a state-owned enterprise providing credit guarantees on loans disbursed by participating financial institutions to support viable businesses that lack collateral when applying for loans, the statement added.

CGCC Chief Executive Officer Wong Keet Loong said the MoU will make it easier for CCC members to access financing, and demonstrate a shared commitment to promoting economic growth and development in Cambodia.

"Together with CCC, we can support the development of SMEs in Cambodia by improving financial inclusion and financial literacy," he said. "By working together, the two organizations will help MSMEs overcome financing challenges and unlock their potential to drive economic growth in the country."

CCC Director-General Nguon Meng Tech said the MSMEs play significant roles in economic development, but at the same time, they face a lot of challenges, particularly financial constraints.

"The MoU is a positive sign that will help strengthen and deepen the cooperation between the two institutions," he said.

Incorporated in 2020, the CGCC had supported 1,275 businesses by providing credit guarantees for their loan applications in a total amount of 113.6 million U.S. dollars as of March 2023, the statement said.