Seoul (FN), Sep. 12 – Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen received a courtesy call by Yang Jong Hee, CEO of KB Financial Group, on 11 September 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. He expressed his pleasure at meeting the CEO during the "World Knowledge Forum".

During the meeting, Yang Jong Hee expressed his appreciation for meeting Samdech Techo. He noted that since Samdech Techo re-established diplomatic relations between Cambodia and South Korea in 1997, KB has studied the Cambodian market, which has gradually expanded its presence and established several subsidiaries in the country.

KB Financial has consistently followed the direction set by Cambodian leadership, particularly Samdech Techo, and has worked closely with the Cambodian people, fostering strong cooperation that has allowed the company to thrive.

In response, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his satisfaction with the growth of Cambodia's microfinance sector, including institutions like PRASAC, and the banking industry in general. He highlighted how microfinance institutions have provided small loans to citizens, enabling them to invest in businesses and improve their living standards. However, he also noted that during the COVID19 pandemic, the microfinance sector faced challenges that impacted people's livelihoods. At that time, as prime minister, he had urged understanding from microfinance institutions and banks, requesting that they refrain from foreclosing on those unable to repay loans.

Samdech Techo asked banks and microfinance institutions to restructure loans, either by offering additional loans or deferring interest payments. He thanked those institutions that had responded positively to the Royal Government's requests.

Samdech Techo also advised the CEO of KB Financial to carefully assess future loan applications, ensuring that borrowers are using loans for productive purposes. In this cases, Yang Jong Hee thanked Samdech Techo for his insights into Cambodia’s microfinance sector. He agreed with the suggestion and committed to implementing it.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo underlined the importance of avoiding misallocation of loans. He also praised KB PRASAC Bank for its strong reputation, extensive advertising, and significant assets and loans, adding that Cambodia’s ability to absorb such financial services demonstrates the country's economic potential.

Samdech Techo recalled the banking reforms implemented by the Royal Government after the 1997 Asian financial crisis, noting that those reforms were successful, as no bank in Cambodia has collapsed since then. He also acknowledged the local banking system, particularly Wing Bank, which has become a commercial bank and provides convenient money transfer services to rural areas through mobile phone numbers. Samdech Techo recognized this system as a critical tool for supporting poor families, especially the elderly and disabled.

Yang Jong Hee confirmed that KB Financial Group also contributes to social initiatives, such as providing scholarships to students and helping children with heart disease by sending them to Korea for surgery. Additionally, the company has collaborated with the Royal Government to offer initial financial packages to Cambodian workers starting employment in Korea.

The CEO also informed Samdech Techo that KB Financial has already built 46 libraries and one school in Cambodia and plans to construct more schools, particularly in border areas. Samdech Techo thanked the company for its contributions, emphasizing that Cambodia's priority is developing human resources. He noted that he consistently provides scholarships to students in need. He encouraged the company to continue focusing on building more libraries and promoting reading among students.

In this regard, the CEO of KB Financial also presented financial assistance to Samdech Techo to support scholarships for Cambodian students.
=FRESH NEWS