PREAH SIHANOUK: Governor Mang Sineth said the opening of a new ABA branch demonstrated investors’ confidence in Cambodia’s banking system, economy and political stability under Prime Minister Hun Manet.
He made the remarks at the official opening of the bank’s new branch building in the special economic zone in Bit Trang, Kampong Som city, Preah Sihanouk province, on March 10, 2026.
ABA general director Askhat Azhikhanov said the new branch was in an area with strong potential. The special economic zone, with more than 200 operating factories, was an important driver of Cambodia’s economy, attracting foreign investors, creating jobs, supporting exports and expanding Cambodia’s role in regional and global supply chains.
He said Preah Sihanouk was an attractive and important economic centre, while ABA continued to grow alongside the Cambodian economy. With the new opening, the bank had 106 branches nationwide, served about six million customers and held more than US$16 billion in assets. He said these achievements reflected customer trust and convenient, safe and reliable services.
Speaking for the provincial administration, Mang Sineth noted the branch’s location in Bit Trang, Kampong Som city. He described the coastal area as the “Star of the Southwest” and its designation as a model multipurpose special economic zone.
He welcomed the investment as a contribution to the province’s economic growth and attractiveness, providing quality banking and a reliable financial partner for customers while supporting employment for residents of the province and elsewhere.
The governor said the government regarded banking and finance as a priority sector with an important role in economic recovery and growth, particularly when external crises created challenges.
The provincial administration was supporting these efforts by developing all sectors, including private enterprise, improving the business and investment environment to generate jobs, income and economic activity, and working to maintain security, order and public safety to build investor confidence.
ABA coastal-area branch director Preap Sopheap said the bank sought to support Cambodia’s growth. Special economic zones were important to the national economy, so ABA was expanding services there for customers and enterprises.
He said this was ABA’s third branch in Preah Sihanouk: the first was in Sihanoukville, the second in Prey Nob district and the third in the special economic zone in Kampong Som city.
Written by Pai Sokhim.
Photographs by Teav Vichat.
