Question : CONVERSION OF EPZ INTO SEZ

(a) the number of EPZs in the country, State-wise including the State of West Bengal;

(b) whether a number of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) have been converted into Special Economic Zones (SEZs);

(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the working of EPZs has been reviewed in the last three years and the current year;

(e) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons for slow performance of EPZs; and

(f) the details of action plan/fresh policy initiatives taken for restructuring the working of EPZs and proposal for establishment of new EPZs in the country including West Bengal, State-wise?

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

(a)to (c): Eight Export Processing Zones (EPZs) were converted into Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with the enactment of SEZ Act 2005/SEZ Rules 2006. Falta was one of such EPZ located in the State of West Bengal.

(d) to (f) As per the latest available information, exports from 7 Central Government EPZs converted into SEZs are in the order of Rs 39275.11 crores in 2007-08 as against exports of Rs.19656.67 crore in 2005-06, registering a growth of 50%. Similarly, investment made in these SEZs is Rs. 4430.86 croes and employment has been generated for 1,97,625 persons. Government does not propose to establish new EPZs.