Cambodia’s special economic zones waiting for foreign investments

PHNOM PENH — Eight out of Cambodia’s 19 special economic zones (SEZ) are being operational across the country, while the rest are still waiting for both local and foreign investors, the data from Council for Development of Cambodia (CDC) showed on Saturday. The statistics showed that Cambodia has a total of 19 SEZs, most of them situated along Cambodia’s borders with Vietnam and Thailand. Of the 19, eight are fully operational by both local and foreign investors, while the rest are being developed or waiting for investors, the statistics showed. The SEZ has been firstly established in Cambodia in December, 2005. It is designed for industrial zone–manufacturing for exports. The government considers SEZs as an important part of the country’s economic development as they bring infrastructure, jobs, skills, enhanced productivity, at the same time, investors in the SEZs will benefit from a number of fiscal incentives, including income tax, customs, and VAT benefits. According to the statistics, SEZs being operational are those located in the provinces of Koh Kong, Svay Rieng, Banteay Meanchey, Kandal, Kampong Cham, Preah Sihanouk and Phnom Penh. And the products being produced in those SEZs include vehicles and spare parts, garments, bicycles, foot-wears, jewelry packaging, pure drinking water, electric poles, sugar, and agro-products.