Initiatives to start SEZs in state: Minister

Kochi, Aug 21 (UNI) Kerala Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem today said the government is taking initiatives to start Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state.

Addressing a gathering at the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here, he said considering the interest in setting up SEZs in the state, the government had appealed to the Centre to relax certain clauses for the same.

The Minister said according to the conditions laid down by the Centre for setting up SEZs, at least 2500 acre should be acquired for multi-product industries, 200 acre for single product industry and 25 acre for IT firms.

As the state had a high density of population and land constraints these conditions could not be fulfilled and the goverment had appealed to the Centre to review them, he added.

The Minister said the industries in the SEZs would have flexibility to work within the legal framework of the state.

He said the main purpose of the SEZs would be to increase export and attract more foreign direct investment (FDI).

The government would also give importance to developing infrastructure in the state to attract more investors, he added.

Prof K V Thomas, MLA, Mr V A Yousuf, vice-president of the KCCI and Mr Suresh Babu, Managing Director of KINFRA were present on the occasion.

UNI MA AA ADB1759