On 28 June 2024 – In a significant step forward for green finance in Cambodia, Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ (RGPPSEZ) announced the issuance of KHR 41 billion green bond at the Cambodia Securities Exchange. The event was presided over by H.E. Dr. HEAN Sahib, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Chairman of the Cambodia Securities Exchange, H.E. Sou Socheat, Delegate of Royal Government in charge as Director General of Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia, H.E. Hong Sok Hour, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as CEO of the CSX, Mr. UEMATSU Hiroshi, CEO of Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ Plc. (PPSP), Mr. Anuj Awasthi, Vice President Operations of Credit Guarantee & Investment Facility, Ms. Shomi Kim, Country Representative of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and representative of the consortium of the Cambodia Sustainability Bond Accelerator (CSBA) program with the distinguish guests.

At the Official Green Bond listing Ceremony which took place today at Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX), Mr. UEMATSU Hiroshi, CEO, Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ, said, ‘’This green bond is an important step in our company’s involvement in helping Cambodia achieve its climate target and help address the gap between investors and investment in sustainable development this bond presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking to align their financial goals with positive environmental impacts.’’

“It has been an invaluable experience gained through this green bond issuance exercise working closely with Royal Group Securities (“RGS”) lead by Thoeun Seng Chan, the CEO of this securities firm, as the Underwriter and Lead Manager of the project.” said Mr. Fong Nee Wai, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ. “The green bond issuance process was completed within the 12-month period as targeted.” The CFO also added, “Working with CGIF to get our bond listed on the CSX has given our Company creditability and investment grade to our investors investing in our Green Bond.”

The issuance is the result of the Cambodia Sustainable Bond Accelerator Program, an initiative built on partnership among the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC), Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in collaboration with the CGIF and GuarantCo, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group. Through this Program, RGPPSEZ, was selected last year to receive technical assistance, issuance support, and enhanced investment support such as credit enhancement.

RGPPSP is a key developer of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Cambodia and operates one of Cambodia’s largest SEZs by land size, housing numerous investor companies. Through value-added services and certified environmental standards, RGPPSP attracts foreign corporations. The Bond will fund for its green infrastructure requirements to improve value added services by adding a wastewater treatment plant and other sustainable installations. We are committed to maximizing the use of this green bond to further strengthen our ESG efforts.