Cambodia, Japan Launch Cross-Border QR Code Payments

Cambodia and Japan launched Phase 1 of their cross-border QR code payment agreement on July 4, 2025, allowing Cambodian citizens to make mobile payments in Japan using the Bakong app or any other mobile banking application, scanning the JPQR.

The launch ceremony, held in Osaka during the World Expo 2025, was led by Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC); and Ezawa Masana, Deputy Director General of the Commerce and Service Industry Policy Group under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

The initiative marks the start of Japan’s inbound JPQR payment system for Cambodian users and builds on a memorandum of cooperation signed between the two governments on December 18, 2023.

A separate memorandum of understanding was signed on April 21, 2025, between the NBC and the Payments Japan Association (PJA), which was appointed to oversee the project.

In a statement from the central bank, Dr. Chea Serey is quoted saying, “This initiative underscores Cambodia’s advancement in establishing a digital infrastructure for cross-border transactions, fostering collaboration and mutual growth.

She added:

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.

Fukuda Yoshio, the General Director of the Payments Japan Association, also commented, “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 endeavor. 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.

According to the NBC, Cambodia’s KHQR payment system will be the first to connect with Japan’s national QR code system, JPQR, for cross-border transactions.

Phase 1 will allow users of the Bakong app, ACLEDA Bank mobile, and Sathapana Bank mobile banking apps to scan JPQR codes in Japan. Phase 2 will expand to JPQR holders to scan KHQR.

“This collaboration 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,” the NBC statement added.