Question : SEZS FOR EXPORT

(a) whether any scheme concerning Special Economic Zones(SEZs) has been introduced for enabling international competition in export;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of the incentive schemes started under this scheme and the profit earned by implementing these schemes and the amount of profit earned by States during the last three years till date alongwith their names; and

(d) the places in the country, especially in Madhya Pradesh where SEZs have been set up/are proposed to be set up?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) to (c): Yes Sir. The Special Economic Zone Act containing special fiscal incentives for developers and SEZ Units was passed by the Parliament in May 2005 and received the Presidential assent on 23rd June 2005. The SEZ Act, 2005, supported by SEZ Rules have come into force from 10th February, 2006. The primary objectives of the SEZ Act are generation of additional economic activity; promotion of exports of goods and services; promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources; creation of employment opportunities and development of infrastructure facilities.

(d) SEZs have been approved to be setup in 17 States and 2 Union Territories. In Madhya Pradesh there is a functional SEZ at Indore and 3 new SEZs are being set up at Indore and Gwalior.