Question : PROPOSED FACILITIES AT AROOR AND KANNUR

(a) the special facilities likely to be created at Aroor and Kannur in Kerala which are declared as towns of Export Excellence in the new Exim Policy; and

(b) the main features of the project?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN)

(a) to (b): A number of towns in specific geographical locations which have emerged as dynamic industrial clusters and are contributing handsomely to India`s exports have been granted recognition as Towns of Export Excellence. These Towns of Export Excellence are listed in Appendix 41 of the Handbook of Procedures (volume I). Towns of Export Excellence in the Handloom, Handicraft, Agriculture and Fisheries sector having a potential for growth in exports of more than Rs. 250 crores are being notified as Towns of Export Excellence. Such notified Towns of Export Excellence shall be provided the following facilities:-

1.	Common service providers in these areas shall be entitled for the facility of the EPCG scheme.
2.	The recognised associations of units in these areas will be able to access the funds under the	Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme for creating focused technological services.
3.	Such areas will also receive priority for assistance for rectifying identified critical	infrastructure gaps from the Central Assistance to States for Developing Export Infrastructure	and other Allied Activities (ASIDE) Scheme.