Eight Export Processing Zones (EPZs) were converted into Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with the enactment of SEZ Act 2005 and Rules framed thereunder.  However, no EPZ has since been converted into SEZ.

The contribution of SEZ exports, employment generated and investment made in respect of these 8 SEZs during the last three years is as under:

Financial Year	Exports  (Rs. Crore)	*Employment  (Persons)	*Investment  (Rs. Crore)
2011-2012	98381.57	221246	11824.87
2012-2013	119322.87	230737	12266.88
2013-2014	72628	241355	13345.27
* Calculated on cumulative basis.

The performance of the Units are regularly monitored by the Development Commissioners of SEZs as per the provisions of SEZ Act, 2005 and Rules framed thereunder to ensure that exports are made in accordance with SEZ laws.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Conversion of EPZ into SEZ: SEZ regulatory status and monitoring of exports, employment and investment under law. Conversion of eight EPZs into SEZs pursuant to the SEZ Act, 2005 is recorded, with annual cumulative figures for exports, employment and investment provided for three financial years; Development Commissioners monitor unit performance to ensure compliance with SEZ statutory and regulatory provisions.