SEZs defy critics, begin to deliver the goods

Since the SEZ Act was notified in February 2006, 22 SEZs have been up and running. In the last financial year (2006-07), these SEZs collectively exported goods worth Rs 33,000 crore, roughly 6 per cent of India’s total exports of Rs 5,71,641 crore.

This year, according to commerce ministry projections, SEZ exports will more than double to be Rs 67,088 crore. “Next year, exports from SEZs will easily cross Rs 1,00,000 crore,” the official predicted.

Officials also pointed out that 52,000 people have found employment in the new SEZs set up after 2005.

“In most of these zones, employees are from the nearby villages and towns,” an official said. Employment is projected to rise to 2.1 million by December 2009.