By IANS
New Delhi : The development of special economic zones (SEZs) would lead to the growth of all sections of society and the development of the economy, Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath said here Thursday. `
“The SEZ policy is going to play a very important role in employment generation, increasing exports, creation of world class infrastructure and attracting foreign direct investment in the country in the next one decade. SEZs are certainly going to play a very important role by providing inclusive growth in the country,” Kamal Nath said in a meeting with SEZ developers.
The minister said currently SEZs are providing direct employment to over 2,30,000 people. It would go up to as high as four million when all SEZs become operational, he added.
“If you go and see the new SEZs that have started functioning, you will find that most of the employment provided is to rural youth from the nearby villages,” the minister said.
Kamal Nath also called for a “coordinated effort” by all SEZ developers and promoters so that single window clearances and other benefits are availed of efficiently.
“It is very important that the SEZ scheme is implemented efficiently by the state governments by providing single window facilities and all other promised benefits. It is also important that SEZ developers do their work at a faster pace so that the space in SEZs is made available at the earliest to the SEZ units.”