A New Growth Hub on the Border: Cambodia

Overview

The town of Poipet lies in northwest Cambodia, by the border with Thailand. It's home to 3 special economic zones that have attracted manufacturers from around Asia and the West. Just 3 and a half hours by car to Bangkok, labor costs are two-thirds lower than in Thailand, and the government is offering special tax cuts. It's an attractive proposition for many firms, and workers have been drawn to Poipet's buoyant growth. However, not everyone is reaping the economic benefits – the wealth gap between factory staff and other locals is widening. Explore the border town of Poipet, and its dreams of becoming a growth hub for Southeast Asia.