Exports from SEZs grew 64% to Rs 118321.56 crore in the April-June Quarter of 2012-13

Exports from Special Economic Zones (SEZs) grew 64 per cent to Rs 118321.56 crore during the first quarter (April-June) of the fiscal 2012-13. Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs (EPCES) mentioned that investments worth Rs 213605.54 crore were made in SEZs as on 30 June 2012. As on 30th June, 2012 investments worth Rs.213605.54 crore were made in SEZs and this sector generated employment to 920243 persons.

The Union Government had granted 588 formal approvals for setting up of SEZs. Of the total 588, 386 had been notified while 158 were in operation as on 30 June 2012.
The Minimum Alternate Tax and Dividend Distribution Tax had affected SEZ growth, investments, employment and exports. MAT/DDT implementation also sent wrong signals to the international investment community which look at India for its resources of skills and manpower. The EPCES had on 30 July 2012 sought Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention for some long-term benefits to this sector in order bring it back to its established state.