The Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Dr. (Mrs.) D. Purandeswari today presented the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (EPCES) Export Awards to EOUs and SEZs for Outstanding Export Performance here. The awards were presented for recognizing the meritorious efforts of EOUs and SEZ Units for their outstanding export performance for the year 2010-11. The awards were presented in the fields of gem & jewellery, engineering, plastic products, electronic, computer hardware, services, readymade garments, handicrafts, chemical & allied products, textile products, food products etc.

Speaking during the occasion, Dr. (Mrs.) D. Prandeswari informed that India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and its market has significant potential for high profitability. The SEZ Scheme, which is operating in more than 130 countries, in one form or another, is contributing effectively in bringing investments, new technologies, best managerial practices. The Scheme all over the world helps in increasing exports, employment, manufacturing and value addition. “Our experience with the scheme, specifically after the enactment of SEZ Act has been very encouraging”, said the Minister.

The Minister further informed that the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has taken steps for resolving issues of EOUs and SEZs. The EOU Scheme has also been reviewed after the withdrawal of income tax benefit. But the Minister further added that “still there are challenges which are to be addressed like, such as the imposition of MAT, DDT, etc.”

Dr. (Mrs.) D. Prandeswari said that India is a country which has restored investor’s confidence in its markets even during the difficult times. She was of the view that despite these difficulties, Indian markets have fared well in recent times.

While addressing the august gathering, Shri Rajeev Arora, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry congratulated all the export award winners for their relentless efforts for export promotion. “EOUs/SEZs are engines of economic growth of the country and are complimentary to each other. This sector is playing a vital role in our country’s exports. The exports from EOU/SEZ Sector are to the extent of Rs.5, 56, 295 crore during 2012-13 with a contribution of 34% to national exports. This sector is generating employment to approximately 15 lakhs people in the country,” informed Shri Arora.

While welcoming, Shri P.C. Nambiar, Chairman, EPCES informed that there is an export growth of 16 times from EOU and SEZ Sector since inception of the Council in 2003 and the contribution of this sector to national exports during 2012-13 is 34%. He said that “EPCES is continuing the process of organizing Open House Meet of EOUs and SEZs in different parts of the country for resolving the issues of EOUs and SEZs.”

Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce & Industry presented the export awards to EOUs and SEZ Units. Some of the prominent awardees are M/s Reliance Industries Ltd., M/s Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., M/s Shree Ganesh Jewellery House, M/s Moser Baer India Ltd. among others.

While proposing vote of thanks, Shri Sanjeet Singh, Director (SEZ), Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Director General, EPCES thanked all awardees who have shown their excellent performance for achieving export awards. He also mentioned that those units who have not been awarded today but their efforts will also be recognized for performing the excellent performance in the years to come.

SEZ and EOU policy: awards recognise export performance while highlighting scheme benefits and outstanding fiscal challenges to address. Presentation of EPCES export awards recognised EOUs and SEZ units for outstanding export performance and noted that the SEZ Scheme attracts investment, technology and managerial practices while contributing to exports, manufacturing, employment and value addition. The EOU Scheme is under review after withdrawal of an income tax benefit, and the Ministry highlighted fiscal challenges such as the imposition of Minimum Alternate Tax and Dividend Distribution Tax. EPCES committed to stakeholder consultations and Open House meetings to resolve operational issues and continue recognising strong performers.