Shri Piyush Goyal Calls for Strengthened Transparency, Industry–Government Collaboration and Enhanced Efficiency

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated NEST–02 (New Enterprises & Services Tower – Phase 2) at the Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) in Mumbai today and urged industries to significantly strengthen skilling initiatives to support India’s future workforce needs.

The Minister emphasised that the pace of growth achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi must be matched at SEEPZ, noting that the zone must align its functioning and performance with the broader national economic momentum.

Shri Goyal encouraged SEEPZ units to expand training efforts, including initiatives for specially-abled youth, and stated that skilling is central to India’s future growth. He urged industry to take greater responsibility in supporting workforce development and contributing to the broader national skilling agenda.

The Minister said that transparency, integrity and accountability remain central to the Government’s governance approach under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He called upon unit holders and industry representatives to work jointly with the administration to ensure that SEEPZ operates in a clean, transparent and accountable manner, underscoring that maintaining such an environment is a shared responsibility.

Shri Goyal said that auction-based allotment and transparent procedures are essential to ensure fair utilisation of space and prevent misuse. He encouraged stakeholders to collectively review unutilised plots and work with the managing committee to maximise export potential. He reiterated the need for full transparency in processes related to approvals, customs operations, maintenance contracts and other administrative matters.

The Minister reviewed ongoing and planned infrastructure upgrades at SEEPZ, including improvements to internal roads, greenery and overall zone-level aesthetics. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that SEEPZ reflects the standards of modern India and serves as a model for Special Economic Zones across the country.

Shri Goyal highlighted that the Government’s ongoing reforms—including the Jan Vishwas Bills, decriminalisation measures and simplification of compliance processes—are built on the principle of trust between Government and industry. He urged unit holders to uphold this trust by adhering to transparent and ethical practices.

Emphasising the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Minister said that industry and Government must work together to strengthen domestic capabilities, promote Swadeshi, maintain high standards and prepare for future opportunities. He encouraged industry to adopt modern systems, pursue futuristic planning and implement global-quality processes to align with India’s aspirations for Viksit Bharat 2047.

Shri Goyal concluded by calling on SEEPZ to emerge as a world-class production and export zone, reflecting the pace and ambition of India’s economic transformation. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting industry-led growth, innovation and competitiveness.