Leading Cambodian bank establishes representative office in Hong Kong, highlighting city's role as regional financial hub under Belt and Road Initiative (with photo)
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     ​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (September 11) that Canadia Bank, one of Cambodia's leading financial conglomerates, has established a representative office in Hong Kong. This was approved by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and marks a significant step in strengthening the economic ties between Hong Kong and Cambodia, as well as between the city and the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
 
     This milestone follows the pivotal meeting in Cambodia in July 2024 between a delegation led by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Chairman of Canadia Integrated Group, Dr Pung Kheav Se. The meeting centred on the unique advantages of Hong Kong as Asia's leading international financial centre and opportunities to deepen collaboration between the two places. These considerations laid the foundation for this new establishment, which aims to foster mutual growth and prosperity.
 
     Founded in 1991, Canadia Bank is part of the Canadia Integrated Group, and offers a comprehensive suite of banking services to individuals, businesses, and corporations. With total assets of US$8.6 billion, Canadia Bank Plc currently has 69 operating branches and 430 self-service digital devices in Cambodia, as well as a subsidiary in Laos.
 
     Canadia Integrated Group comprises a financial and non-financial group with total assets of US$15 billion and a total of 17 500 employees. The financial group is led by Canadia Investment Holding, which offers a number of financial services including banking, microfinance, life and general insurance, securities, and trusts. The non-financial group is led by Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation, and its primary business activities are infrastructure, construction and property development, education, hotel and medical services. Established in 2003, the company is the largest and leading infrastructure and property developer in Cambodia by investment size and number of projects developed, with notable projects such as the Techo International Airport (a new airport near the capital city of Phnom Penh), Diamond Island Satellite City, Norea Island Satellite City, Chroy Changvar Satellite City and the Olympia City Complex.
 
     The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, said, "We are delighted to welcome Canadia Bank to Hong Kong as they establish their representative office here. Hong Kong continues to be the preferred hub for ASEAN companies seeking to access global markets. We look forward to supporting Cambodian companies in expanding their business through leveraging Hong Kong's capital markets and connecting with strategic partners in the region."
 
     "Hong Kong has a world-class financial system and professional services that can contribute to Cambodia's economic development, while Hong Kong can also gain many business opportunities during the process. InvestHK will continue to work closely with the HKMA to attract more banks to set up in Hong Kong and enrich the city's financial market," she added.
 
     Dr Pung, who is also the Chairman of Canadia Bank, said, "The opening of our first representative office in the the city marks a significant step in our expansion plan via Hong Kong. We appreciate the support from InvestHK during the process, including setting up meetings with the regulators in Hong Kong, providing us with useful information about the licensing requirements and procedures, and connecting us with service providers."
 
     "In commencing operations of the new world-class Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh on September 9, we will strive to continue strengthening economic ties between Cambodia and Hong Kong through our representative office as well as leveraging Belt and Road Initiative opportunities," he added.
 
     The Belt and Road Initiative has played a pivotal role in fostering closer economic integration between Hong Kong and Cambodia. The establishment of Canadia Bank's representative office contributes to advancing trade and investment co-operation and bringing long-term benefits to both economies.
 
     In 2024, China was Cambodia's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing US$18 billion, marking a 21 per cent increase compared to 2023. This strong growth trend underscores the importance of building an efficient financial network to support the increasing volume of cross-border trade and investment activities, further reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a regional financial hub.
 
     To download the event photo, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720328947976/.

Ends/Thursday, September 11, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:40

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