Special Economic Zones And Industrial Sector Of India: The Way Forward

The present paper explores the recent developments pertaining to SEZs and economic reforms in industrial sector in India. The establishment of the SEZs has undoubtedly helped to increase the volume of international trade. Further, a large amount of foreign investment has found its way not only into the export trade, but also into infrastructure construction and commerce. Foreign companies have been encouraged to establish their presence in the territories and the export industry has grown. Advanced foreign technology has been brought in with the inflow of foreign investment. All these factors have contributed to the growth of the Indian economy. The enactment of the SEZ Act and its implementation should enable the Government to fulfill its agenda of economic reforms as the multiplier effects on the economic activities triggered by SEZ materialize. The challenge now is whether India through its SEZs can leverage its cost advantage and huge knowledge base and break the hold of China in manufacturing by making India the preferred destination for doing business. A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a geographical region that has economic laws that are more liberal than a country's domestic economic laws. SEZ is a trade capacity development tool, with the goal to promote rapid economic growth by using tax and business incentives to attract foreign investment and technology. Today, there are approximately 3,000 SEZs operating in 120 countries, which account for over US$ 600 billion in exports and about 50 million jobs. It has been recognized as an important mechanism for creation of infrastructure, employment generation, promotion of regional development, increase in foreign exchange earnings, improving export competitiveness and transfer of skills and technology.
 


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