On April 23, 2025, the Coordinating Committee for Informal Economy Development (CCIED) and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) co-organized a workshop on “Promoting Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship for the Informal Economy” to enhance the financial and entrepreneurial skills of those working and operating in the informal economy.

The workshop was presided over by H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation and Chairman of the CCIED, and H.E. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, with the participation of approximately 350 representatives from the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC), the Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA), banking and financial institutions, and informal economy actors.

“Promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship among informal economy actors is crucial to implementing the National Strategy for Developing the Informal Economy,” said Minister Vanndy. “In particular, financial literacy empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage funds, enhance their careers, and grow their businesses.”

In her opening remarks, Governor Chea Serey emphasized the important role of the informal economy in driving national growth—by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and maintaining economic cash flow.

She also outlined the National Bank of Cambodia’s efforts to support the National Strategy for Developing the Informal Economy 2023–2028. These efforts include promoting financial literacy, incentivizing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), improving payment systems, and expanding women’s access to formal financial services.

The national strategy identifies key actions to be undertaken by relevant ministries-institutions and sub-national administrations. The National Bank of Cambodia’s role includes public outreach on financial literacy, encouraging savings and formal financial service use among self-employed individuals, SMEs and women, and developing easily accessible, affordable, and efficient payment systems.

As of April 17, 2025, the “Digital Platform for Onboarding the Informal Economy” has received 46,573 requests, including 2,217 workers, 1,362 microenterprises, and 42,994 self-employed individuals.