Central Bank holds firm on restructuring wind-down despite rising impairments

Central Bank holds firm on restructuring wind-down despite rising impairments The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has rejected requests from banks and microfinance institutions to extend preferential loan restructuring measures despite rising debt impairments. Lenders argued that continued relief would help borrowers recover from economic shocks. The NBC countered that further relief risks masking credit issues and hindering economic growth, citing the need for transparency on asset quality. With non-performing loans (NPLs) climbing across the sector, analysts have urged a more balanced approach, calling on the NBC to reassess in light of borrowers' struggles, particularly in rural areas. They proposed assessing borrowers' actual financial conditions before deciding whether further support is warranted. (Source: Khmer Times)

Labour market firms up as employment reaches 9.1 million Cambodia's labour market improved in 2025, with a participation rate of 71.6% and roughly 9.1 million people employed, though informal work remained widespread. The Cambodia Labour Force Survey 2025, released by Minister of Planning Bin Trachhai, put the working-age population at about 13.1 million, comprising 6.8 million women and 6.3 million men, with 7.8 million in rural areas and 5.3 million in urban areas. The employment-to-working-age ratio reached 69%, led by services at 43%. Unemployment was estimated at 3.6%, or 342,067 people, mainly women, while informal employment stood at 75.1%, posing structural challenges. Trachhai urged stakeholders to translate the data into actionable strategies for sustainable development. (Source: Khmer Times)

Panasonic signals Cambodia interest, prioritising technology transfer and standards alignment Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation Hem Vanndy met Panasonic's senior delegation, led by President Eiichi Katayama, to explore cooperation in energy-efficient technologies and potential investment in Cambodia. Vanndy highlighted the country's industrial diversification agenda and invited Panasonic to consider it for future production. Panasonic flagged three areas: energy efficiency, human resource development, and quality standards. The company plans to introduce new air-conditioning technology and support local engineers through scholarships and training, with MISTI pledging support for its expansion. (Source: Khmer Times)