PHNOM PENH — The Royal Government of Cambodia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a US$250 million concessional loan agreement for the Rapid Intervention for Stabilization of the Economy (RISE) Program. The program aims to support economic stability, create jobs, protect livelihoods and strengthen Cambodia’s economic resilience amid global uncertainty and multiple crises.
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Economy and Finance on July 31, 2026. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth and ADB Country Director for Cambodia Yasmin Siddiqi signed the agreement, with Nianshan Zhang, Director General of ADB’s Southeast Asia Department, also attending.
The RISE Program falls under the Countercyclical Support Facility (CSF) and aims to support the Royal Government’s interventions to reduce the effects of economic and energy crises. It focuses on mitigating the impact of fuel-price fluctuations, providing financial assistance and agricultural support to vulnerable households, and advancing the green transition to strengthen long-term economic resilience.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance said the financing was an urgent and timely measure to help Cambodia maintain macroeconomic stability and sustainable economic growth momentum.
The ministry also said Cambodia had become the first member country to receive support under the RISE Program, following its approval by ADB’s Board of Directors on July 30, 2026.
Aun Pornmoniroth thanked ADB for responding swiftly to economic challenges and continuing to support Cambodia in difficult times. He stressed that the agreement reflected the strong relationship and trust between ADB and the Royal Government of Cambodia.
Nianshan Zhang commended the Cambodian government’s leadership in maintaining economic stability and protecting livelihoods, and affirmed that ADB would continue to support Cambodia in promoting sustainable development.
At the ceremony, Aun Pornmoniroth also requested that ADB continue providing highly flexible concessional financing to support Cambodia through the transition period following its future graduation from least developed country status, while sustaining economic and social development momentum.
By: Pai Sokhim
