Investment needed to make AEZs functional by 2007: Ramesh

New Delhi, Apr 10 (UNI) Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jairam Ramesh today said a Rs 60-70 crore investment window was needed to put in place Agriculture Economic Zones (AEZs) all over the country by 2006-07.

Speaking at the Forum of Financial Writers here, Mr Ramesh said, ''The 60 AEZs that presently exist only on paper, are not functional.'' ''The Ministry of Commerce was looking at having one AEZ in each state by 2007. At present this proposal is still in its nascent stages and we are planning to discuss the issue further at a meeting to be held on April 17,'' he added.

As many as six states including Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are expected to be present during the meeting, Mr Ramesh said.

''Our focus right now is gettnig the investment in place,'' he said.

UNI RA/SBJ SR ND1930