Over 200 SEZs contributing to India’s exports

Source: PIB, Government of India

More than 200 special economic zones (SEZs) operational across the country are involved in export of various goods, government said on Wednesday Operational SEZs   In addition to seven SEZs of Central Government and 11 state/private sector SEZs set-up prior to the enactment of the SEZs Act, 2005, formal approval has been accorded to 416 proposals out of which 330 SEZs have been notified.  Presently, a total of 202 SEZs are exporting. A list showing state/UT-wise distribution of operational SEZs is given below:-  

The fiscal concessions and duty benefits allowed to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are in-built into the SEZs Act, 2005 and Rules thereunder. The incentives and concessions available to SEZ Developers and Units include exemptions from income tax, customs/excise duties, central sales tax, service tax, VAT, etc. These fiscal concessions and duty benefits allowed to SEZs are in the nature of incentives to achieve the SEZ objectives. The revenue foregone on account of concessions availed by the SEZ Developers and Units under the provisions of sections 10AA and 80-LA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 as well as customs duty and excise duty availed during the last three years is as under:-  

  Roping in states to boost exports  A Council for Trade Development and Promotion was constituted on July 03 this year with an objective of ensuring a continuous dialogue with state governments and UTs on measures for providing an international trade enabling environment in the States and to create a framework for making the states active partners in boosting India’s exports.  All the States and UTs have already been communicated about the constitution of the aforesaid Council including the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.  The Minister in-charge of Trade and Commerce in States/UTs including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are members of the Council along with other stake holders and trade organizations such as FICCI, ASSOCHAM. This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce & Industry, Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.  

August 05, 2015 | 6:21pm IST.