On December 3, 2024, H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, received a delegation from FTB Bank led by the bank’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Dith Sochal to discuss collaboration, particularly in becoming a payment service provider for the Ministry’s public services and financing for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), including private water operators.

Mr. Dith Sochal highlighted the development of the bank, reporting $2.2 billion in total assets and 23 branches nationwide, with two more branches expected in the near future. The bank, employing 770 staff, has played a crucial role in SME development, including $15 million in loans to 31 private water operators through financing from the French Development Agency (AFD). Following the success of this program, a second round of $20 million line of credit from Proparco has supported 10 operators so far.

Minister Vanndy urged FTB to maintain its support for SMEs and private water operators, emphasizing the sector's significance for public health, business, and industry. He encouraged the bank to consider more flexible lending terms, lower interest rates for low-risk lending such as for water supply sector, and leveraging mechanisms like the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) to expand financing opportunities.