Cambodia's biggest banking expo set to start next week

Written by NGUON SOVAN AND KAY KIMSONG

Friday, 13 February 2009 Phnom Penh Post

Event to bring together banking sector and government officials, providing opportunities to discuss recovery strategy, say participants FINANCE bigwigs from around the region are gearing up for Cambodia's largest-ever banking expo, to be held February 19-20 at the NagaWorld Hotel. Banking Cambodia 2009 will bring together private sector and government officials from around the region, including Chea Chanto, governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, and Phung Khac Ke, vice governor of the National Bank of Vietnam. A wide range of topics are set to be discussed, including the financial crisis, new technology and microfinance. The event is organised by International Data Group (IDG) in cooperation with the National Information Communications Technology Development Authority (NIDA), said Derrick Tan, senior adviser to IDG Indochina. "The two-day conference and expo will focus on information communications technology solutions," he said. "It is also an opportunity for stakeholders in the banking and finance industry to discuss the challenges facing the entire industry and economy ... and then seek strategies and practical solutions to help sustain the growth of the Cambodian economy." Opportunity ... to discuss the challenges facing the entire industry. Phu Leewood, secretary general of NIDA, said the event coincides with the worsening credit crisis facing global banks. "The conference and expo will be a chance for bankers and experts in banking and finance institutions to meet and discuss ... crises and solutions in this industry," said Phu Leewood. "It is also an event to push the development of ICT in banking and finance institutions." In Channy, CEO of ACLEDA Bank, welcomed the exhibition as a great opportunity for the sector. According to a press statement, the conference anticipates about 500 bank directors, CEOs, presidents, senior managers and experts to attend, with a further 2,000 trade visitors also expected. Chhoun Pheakdey, coordinator of the event, said at least 30 finance companies including banks, microfinance institutions and IT firms are set to attend, and 30 display booths have been sold for $500 each.