Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, has stated that this year exports from the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are expected to cross Rs.1,25,000 registering a growth of around 100%. Interacting with the SEZ developers here today, Shri Kamal Nath informed that SEZs will be providing an incremental direct employment to over 8 lakh people by December 2009 and investments in the SEZs will be to the extent of Rs.2,00,000 crore by December 2009. The interactive meeting which was organized by the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs, was also attended by Shri G.K. Pillai, Commerce Secretary and senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

During the interaction, the Minister stated that this sector is playing a very important role in employment generation, exports, attracting investments and creation of infrastructure. He further added that "EOU/SEZ Schemes are vital instruments of country's exports and are complimentary to each other. EOUs, SEZ Units and SEZ Developers represent the most vibrant section of India's exporting community."

"Exports from EOUs this year was to the extent of Rs.1,42,211 crore showing a growth of approximately 128% over last year's exports and EOUs are providing direct employment to around 11.50 lakh people", the Minister added.

Shri Kamal Nath said that "the Government so far, has given formal approval to 513 SEZs, which means that SEZ Developers are in possession of the land in these SEZs. 250 SEZs have been notified, which means they are on the verge of take off. 87 SEZs have already become operational."

RJ/MRS

SEZ exports projected to surge, driving substantial employment growth and major investment expansion across notified zones. SEZs are projected to achieve a marked rise in exports this year and to provide incremental direct employment exceeding eight lakh people by December 2009, with investment levels in SEZs forecast to reach a substantial committed amount by that date. The statement highlights the complementary roles of EOUs and SEZ units in export promotion, notes strong export growth and employment from EOUs, and records that the Government has formally approved 513 SEZs, notified 250, and seen 87 SEZs become operational.