Two Thai companies have signed an agreement with a Cambodian firm to build two factories

in a special free-trade zone along the Thai border, local media reported. Boontang

Techammata Vorn and Anchatach Techammata Vorn will invest up to $9 million each in

constructing two jewellery and souvenir factories at the Poipet O'Neang Special Economic

Zone in Banteay Meanchey province. Tan Yim Chhay, deputy director of Chhay Chhay

Investment Ltd, which owns the nearly 500-hectare SEZ, told local media that up to

150 factories could be built in the zone, which to date employs 150,000 workers.

He said the zone helped prevent Cambodian workers from traveling to Thailand for

work. Chhay said another five Thai firms are negotiating to build factories in the

SEZ.