The Federation of Associations of Small and Medium Enterprises of Cambodia (FASMEC) is now pushing for the establishment of a special economic zone (SEZ) for small and medium sized enterprises and is currently discussing such a move with the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, a FASMEC representative said.

FASMEC is looking for “hundreds of hectares” to develop the planned SEZ.

Discussions with officials from the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, are in progress said Te Taing Por, president of FASMEC.

Water, electricity, transportation and tax may be subsidised and will be cheaper than alternative locations he said, adding that a standard logo may be put on all products produced in the SEZ.

He said the SEZ will require between 200 and 300 hectares, and water and electricity systems and services in the area.

Inspections will need to be conducted by the relevant ministries and complicated forms will need to be filled out before the zone can be completed he said.

FASMEC will push for operation to begin by 2015 he said. Kampong Speu is a likely choice due to the availability of transport and electricity but the exact location has not yet decided he said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Rann Reuy at [email protected]