SEZs to generate addtional 8 lakh employment by 2009-end: Nath
New Delhi, Sep 16 (UNI) With exports from the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) expected to cross Rs 1,25,000 crore this year, the government today said SEZs will provide an additional direct employment to over eight lakh people by next year end.
''SEZs will provide an incremental direct employment to over eight lakh people by December 2009...the investments in these zones will be to the extent of Rs 2,00,000 crore by the end of next year,'' Commerce Minister Kamal Nath said here.
In an interaction with the SEZ developers, which was organised by the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs, Commerce Secretary G K Pillai and senior officials from the Ministry were also present.
The Minister said this sector is playing a very important role in employment generation, exports, attracting investments and creation of infrastructure.
He said EOU/SEZ Schemes are vital instruments of the 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 per cent over last year's exports and EOUs are providing direct employment to around 11.50 lakh people,'' the Minister said.
Mr
Nath
said,
''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.''
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