Over the past decade, Cambodia has become Asia’s most dollarized economy. In contrast, dollarization in neighboring Lao P.D.R., Mongolia, and Vietnam has been either declining or broadly stable. Somewhat paradoxically, growing dollarization in Cambodia has occurred against the backdrop of greater macroeconomic and political stability. The usual motive, currency substitution, does not appear to have been a factor. As the volume of dollars increased over the years, so has the volume of riel. A strong inward flow of dollars related to garments sector exports, tourism receipts, foreign direct investment, and aid, has benefitted the dollar based urban economy. The riel based rural economy has, however, lagged behind. Given international experience in de-dollarization, a carefully managed market based strategy, supported by a continued stable macroeconomic environment is essential for Cambodia’s de-dollarization.

Over the past decade, Cambodia has become Asia’s most dollarized economy. In contrast, dollarization in neighboring Lao P.D.R., Mongolia, and Vietnam has been either declining or broadly stable. Somewhat paradoxically, growing dollarization in Cambodia has occurred against the backdrop of greater macroeconomic and political stability. The usual motive, currency substitution, does not appear to have been a factor. As the volume of dollars increased over the years, so has the volume of riel. A strong inward flow of dollars related to garments sector exports, tourism receipts, foreign direct investment, and aid, has benefitted the dollar based urban economy. The riel based rural economy has, however, lagged behind. Given international experience in de-dollarization, a carefully managed market based strategy, supported by a continued stable macroeconomic environment is essential for Cambodia’s de-dollarization.

In the transitional economies of Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Viet Nam (the CLV countries), foreign currencies such as the US dollar commonly circulate in addtion to the local currency. National authorities must consider the costs and benefits of such a system, especially in relation to monetary and exchange policies' effect on their development priorities. "This pioneering study is an important contribution to understanding the underpinnings of the Mekong economies' dynamism...Highly recommended." -- Hal Hill, H.W. Arndt Professor of Southeast Asian Economies, Austratlian National University While dealing with multiple currencies is ultimately an issue of national economic policy, the CLV countries could benefit from greater regional cooperation on monetary and financial issues. They would be able to exploit economies of scale, introduce best practices, and facilitate the adoption of common regulatory standards. Greater regional dialogue on monetary policy could also help the CLV countries find a solution to the so-called multiple-currency phenomenon and reap more benefits from their increasing regional economic interdependence. This study, conducted by a team of economists from the Asian Development Bank, academics, and personnel from CLV finance ministries and central banks, explores the issues of multiple currencies and regional monetary cooperation among the economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the context of increasing regional economic interdependence. It reviews the main issues related to the monetary and exchange rate policy decisions taken by CLV national authorities, and discusses the options and opportunities available for enhancing monetary and financial stability in the ASEAN region.

This paper provides a summary of the key policies that encourage dedollarization. It focuses on cases in which the authorities’ intention is to gain greater control of monetary policy and draws on the experiences of countries that have successfully dedollarized. Unlike previous work on the subject, this paper examines both macroeconomic stabilization policies and microeconomic measures, such as prudential regulation of the financial system. This study is also the first attempt to make extensive use of the foreign exchange regulation data reported in the IMF’s Annual Report on Exchange Arrangements and Exchange Restrictions. The main conclusion is that durable dedollarization depends on a credible disinflation plan and specific microeconomic measures.

With a rapidly growing commercial economy that requires a sound financial system to sustain growth, Cambodia is committed to the long-term development of the financial sector, channeling financial resources to productive investments, and managing the inherent risks to achieve sustainable economic growth over the long term and contribute to poverty reduction. Financial Sector Development Strategy 2011–2020 reflects Cambodia’s achievements to date, provides an assessment of current challenges and constraints to financial sector development, the long-term goals, and a prioritized set of action plans for the next decade. Said strategy will enable Cambodia’s financial sector to integrate into the regional financial system and support her long-term economic development agenda.

This book is the first study to provide a comprehensive picture of the reality and structure of dollarization in Cambodia, which has been achieving rapid economic and financial development since the end of 1998, when full piece reigned over the kingdom. It uses the micro-level data collected through nationwide surveys conducted jointly by the National Bank of Cambodia and JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute in 2014 and 2017. By applying econometric analysis to collected data, the book analyses in detail the structures and mechanisms of dollarization in households, companies, and financial institutions. It also provides detailed information on the historical development of Cambodian dollarization, international comparisons with various cases of dollarization in countries around the world, and the impact of NBC's digital payment platforms (particularly Bakong) on the use of local and foeign currencies. The Cambodian case shows that financial development of low- and middle-income countries is promoted mutually by dollarization and that policies to separate the two are necessary to curb dollarization. This book will be of interest to students, researchers and policy-makers concerned with dollarization and economics in Southeast Asia.

Analyzes the costs and benefits of full dollarization, or the adoption by one country of another country's currency. Potential advantages include lower borrowing costs and deeper integration into world markets. But countries lose the ability to devalue, and become dependent on the U.S. Compares with currency board option.