More capital for factories

The government approved 103 factories with a combined investment of $660 million last year a big increase from the previous year’s 52 factories valued at $230 million, according to data from the Council for the Development of Cambodia. Industry representatives and economists said the sharp rise was a result of minimum wage increases in some other countries in the region. … According to Council for the Development of Cambodia data, 82 garment factories with a capital investment of $499 million were approved, as were 13 shoe factories with $116 million investment, two sock factories supported with $25 million, four textile manufacturers with $9 million and two glove factories with $10 million invested. In 2011, investments in 45 garment factories were worth $205 million, and $25 million was invested in seven shoe factories. … Cambodia’s garment workers, and some unions, have demanded an increase in the minimum wage from the present $61 a month. Many meetings between GMAC, unions and government officials have failed to reach a consensus. …

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/2013031361912/Business/more-capital-for-plants.html