Citizens’ Research Collective on SEZ

SEZs prime movers of economy: Modi

New Delhi, January 9, 2008: The Gujarat chief minister, Mr Narendra Modi, today shared the commerce minister, Mr Kamal Nath’s view on Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and described them as “the prime movers of growth in the future”, inviting the Indian diaspora to invest in the projects.

Participating in an interactive session with the Gujarati NRIs at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) conclave, Mr Modi said he firmly believed that the future of growth lay in the SEZs, but farmers must not be coerced into parting with their land.

“SEZs are going to be the new paradigm of development, but this should not be in conflict with farmers’ interests,” he said. The chief minister said his government had approved 51 SEZs, the largest number by any state. But there was no controversy on the issue, he said, referring to West Bengal “where there was violence at Nandigram on the issue”.

Mr Modi said Gujarat was among the earliest states to enact an SEZ Act in 2004. “Today, as many as 51 SEZs have been approved in the state, of which five are functional and others are in the process of being developed,” he pointed out.

Asking entrepreneurs to develop their SEZs having world class facilities, he said his state is also setting up a separate mechanism for proper development and monitoring of the implementation of SEZs coming up in Gujarat. The state wanted at least one SEZ in each of its districts, he said.

Addressing the PBD session on “developmental challenges of the States : partnership opportunities,” Mr Modi offered to host the first PIO University in the state and called upon NRIs to participate in the great opportunities that would arise from the 100 billion dollars Industrial Corridor that would criss-cross major areas of Gujarat.
Referring to the state’s dramatic economic transformation, Mr Modi sought a major role for the Indian Diaspora in development of the physical infrastructure and provision of social services.

The Kerala chief minister, Mr VS Achuthanandan, told the meet that Kerala was the first state to set up a separate department for taking care of needs of the non-resident Keralites.

Trying to sell Kerala as an investment destination, he said, “Kerala is located on the corridor connecting Europe and Fast East countries…Three international airports, all operating domestic and international flights, a major seaport, telecom and datacom connectivity, low start up and operating costs… are factors that make Kerala a favourable investment destination. Kerala is also the most peaceful state in the country.” The chief minister took up the case of the Gulf Keralites with the Central government and said India should take up the case of their exploitation with the respective countries. “Action taken so far is not felt to be adequate,” he said.

Source: The Statesman