Exports
All these years, Gujarat has registered an impressive performance in exports of industrial products. Under the 100% EOU scheme, the state received 1570 approvals with an investment of Rs.6605 crore. Of them, as on 30th June 2009, 468 projects with an investment of Rs.2953 crore have already been commissioned. Another 467 projects involving an investment of Rs.426 crore are at various stages of implementation. In addition, a number of units are exporting part of their production to the countries overseas. The share of Gujarat-based units in the total exports from India is estimated at around 14%, excluding the export of gems and jewellery, as most of the export takes place from Mumbai though the production centres are located in Gujarat. If the export of gems and jewellery is also added, the total export from Gujarat could work out to over 25% in the country’s export.
In order to sharpen the international competitiveness of the local industries, the State Government has established a GOG-AMA Centre jointly with Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA).
To encourage the industries to take advantage of vast opportunities available in the international market, the State Government has also introduced a scheme of export award.
Special Economic Zones (SEZ)
Government of Gujarat has been encouraging promotion of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). SEZs are considered as growth engines that can boost manufacturing, augment exports and generate employment. Government of Gujarat has enacted the Gujarat SEZ Act, 2004. Besides this, the SEZ Rules, 2005 and SEZ Regulations and SEZs amendment Act, 2007 are in place. Under the Act, assistance is provided both the developer and co-developer of SEZ for development of infrastructure facilities and providing services. Tax concessions are provided to the units coming up in the SEZ. The State Government has also introduced labour reforms and has carried out amendments in some of the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 offering complete flexibility in the employment of labour by units located in SEZs.
In all, 57 SEZs are approved for Gujarat. These include multi-product SEZs and sector-specific SEZs covering textiles, pharma, engineering, chemicals, ceramics, gems and jewellery and IT/ITES sectors.
