SEEPZ-SEZ commences golden jubilee celebrations
01 June 2022: The Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone-Special Economic Zone (SEEPZ-SEZ) recently commenced its Golden Jubilee celebrations. The inaugural event witnessed a vintage-car drive flagged off by the SEEPZ Development Commissioner Shyam Jagannathan. This was followed by the inaugural function where a short film encapsulating the significance of SEEPZ-SEZ and its myriad facets was screened. The SEEPZ Development Commissioner shared his vision for SEEPZ-SEZ 2.0, which involves a major overhaul of the cluster. He gave details about the Rs 200-cr redevelopment plan to refurbish and rejuvenate SEEPZ-SEZ. It includes the establishment of a mega Common Facility Centre (CFC), the first of its kind in the country, which will provide cutting-edge technology as well as hi-tech machinery for manufacturing and other allied processes in gems and jewellery.
The Development Commissioner further said, “SEEPZ has witnessed phenomenal growth in the previous year and achieved record exports exceeding Rs 1.50 lakh crores, investment of more than Rs 80,000 crores and employment generation for 5,60,000 people”. Total Exports of the Entire Zone with 694 units during FY 2021-22 stood at Rs 1,54,328 crore.
He also informed that a host of activities like cultural evenings, dance and drama, awards functions, blood donation camps, marathons and cyclothons, cricket tournaments will mark the golden jubilee year celebrations of India’s key export promotion destination with the single largest concentration of gems and jewellery units (over 180) worldwide, plus engineering, electronics hardware (non-IT), software (IT/ ITeS), services & trading units (non-jewellery) recording merchandise exports worth over Rs 27,000 crore annually.
The Joint Development Commissioner, SEEPZ CPS Chauhan made a brief presentation highlighting key aspects and achievements. A brochure was released on the occasion and an exhibition showcasing the 50-year journey of SEEPZ-SEZ, as well its biodiversity and modernization plans was opened for viewing. The Joint CEO of MIDC Sriram Naik and trade members were also present amongst the dignitaries.
Notably, SEEPZ-SEZ was one of the few institutions to have performed remarkably well during the pandemic year of 2021-2022 – with 309 units it recorded exports over 61% higher than previous year. At present, 37 operational SEZs across the State of Maharashtra, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu come under the jurisdiction of the Zonal Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ, hosting Make in India companies like Serum Institute of India. Parts manufacturers of the ventilators that helped save lives during the pandemic as well as PCBs for ISRO Chandrayan Mission also have their units in the Zone.
