SEZ to boost economy of Marathwada:Deshmukh

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Sep 17 (UNI) Expressing his happiness over the enthusiasm of corporates in setting up Special Economic Zone's (SEZ) in one of the backward region of Marathwada, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today said the SEZs would boost the economy of the region.

Addressing a news conference after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and pharmaceutical and biotech major Wockhardt, Mr Deshmukh said that of the total more than 50 SEZs sanctioned by the centre, nine are to be set up in Marathwada region, bringing in an expected investment of 12,000-15,000 crore in the next five years.

Referring to his government's recent drive of signing MoUs with corporates to set up SEZs, Mr Deshmukh said that though, he was happy with more SEZs, he was much more happy when corporates preferred 'Marathwada,' as their destination to set up the new industrial concept.

Mr Deshmukh further advised the Industry Department and Ministry of Technical Education to find ways to create a talent pool required to the SEZs by making suitable changes in the education given through colleges in the region.

The Chief Minister claimed that Maharashtra has alsways been number one state in industrial development and will continue to maintain its top position with the large number of SEZs making their foray into the state now.

Of the proposed nine SEZs to come up in Marathwada, one would be a multi-product manufacturing zone and remaining would be product specific SEZs, Industry Minister Ashok Chavan said in his address on the occasion.

Besides Aurangabad, the proposed SEZs would come up in other district locations of the Marathwada such as Osmanabad, Jalna, Latur and Nanded, Mr Chavan informed.

Referring to the growing number of sick units especially within the Small and Medium Enterprises category, Mr Chavan said the state government would come out with a concrete plan; once a committee appointed under the chairmanship of Joint Secretary (Industry) submits its report within the next two months.

The state government wanted to offer some revival package to these sick units and may come out with some solution soon.

Industry secretary V K Jayrath, Aurangabad's Guardian Minister Dr Patangrao Kadam, Wockhardt's Executive Director Huzafia Khorakiwala were present on the occasion.

UNI MPJ WD SBA RS1853