PHNOM PENH, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and Ant International on Monday launched cross-border QR code payment connectivity, enabling the users of Cambodia's Bakong and AliPay+ to scan QR codes for making their payments.
Chea Serey, governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), said the event marked another turning point for the NBC, as it unveiled the new cross-border payment corridor between Cambodia and nine other countries and regions, including China, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea and more through Bakong and AliPay+.
"Following this launching ceremony, users of more than 10 international payment apps who are Alipay+ partners can scan KHQR codes to complete payments in Cambodia," she said at the launching event held in the capital Phnom Penh.
"While in the next phase, Cambodian residents will be enabled to use local wallets to optimize the payment experience for cross-border mobile payments when traveling to China and other countries that have Alipay+ accepting merchants," she added.
Serey was confident that this introduction of cross-border QR code payment between Bakong and Alipay+ will elevate financial cooperation by leveraging technology to benefit the customers.
In addition, the collaboration will substantially contribute to the promotion of trade activities, tourism, and financial inclusion within Cambodia and the region, she added.
"Mobile apps like AliPay and other Alipay+ partners have powered countless transactions globally, simplifying the purchasing process and making shopping, dining, and everyday purchases both effortless and secure," Serey said.
"This partnership is one of the most impactful developments in supporting Cambodia's digitalization journey and helping local merchants capture new opportunities in the evolving landscape," she added.
According to Serey, Ant International, an affiliate of Ant Group, offers innovative financial solutions, and its product, AliPay+ (AliPay Plus), is set to facilitate transactions for over 10 international payment partners in Cambodia, including AliPay from China, along with others such as Touch 'n Go from Malaysia, Kakao Pay from South Korea, and OCBC from Singapore.
The central bank governor said that to date, Cambodia has successfully launched cross-border payment projects with Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, UnionPay International, South Korea and Malaysia.
Furthermore, the NBC has recently introduced Bakong Tourist Apps, aimed at improving payment services in Cambodia and supporting the tourism industry by enabling digital payments for international visitors, she added. ■
