India’s Largest Multi-Product SEZ – the Kandla SEZ – has become a beacon of sustainability and inclusive development.
In the vibrant landscape of India’s ever-growing economic prowess, the Kandla Special Economic Zone (KASEZ) stands tall as a testament to the strategic planning, visionary governance, and unwavering commitment of the Government of India.
Established in 1965, KASEZ, situated on the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, has emerged as Asia’s first Export Processing Zone (EPZ). In recent years, it has also become India’s largest multi-product Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The zone has not only played a pivotal role in the country’s export-led growth but has also become a beacon of sustainable industry practices and social responsibility.
A Brief History of SEZS
India’s engagement with Special Economic Zones, previously known as Export Processing Zones (EPZs), dates back to 1965. Gujarat was the first state in Asia to establish an SEZ in Kandla. Currently, Gujarat boasts 21 operational SEZs, accounting for 8% of India’s total 272 SEZs. These zones cover various sectors such as apparel, IT/ITeS, pharma, chemicals, engineering, textiles, automobiles, and non-conventional industries, playing a significant role in the state’s industrial landscape.
A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
KASEZ, one of the seven operational SEZs in India overseen by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, was inaugurated by the visionary Prime Minister, late Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, on March 7, 1965. Its strategic location, nestled on the west coast in the business-friendly state of Gujarat, provides it with proximity to the modern ports of Deendayal Port at Kandla Port Gujarat and Adani Port at Mundra. This geographical advantage has transformed KASEZ into a major engine of export-led growth in the industrially vital Kutch region of Gujarat.
Dinesh Singh, Zonal Development Commissioner, KASEZ said “In our pursuit of economic growth, we embrace the promotion of exports from KASEZ and Gujarat SEZs, coupled with enticing foreign-investment incentives. This underscores our steadfast dedication to attracting global investments and top-tier talent, fostering a vibrant business landscape in Gujarat. By doing so, we create unique investment avenues, paving the way to diversify both our state and nation’s economy.”
Empowering Growth Through “MAKE IN INDIA”
In the wake of India’s rapid economic development, initiatives like “Make in India,” spearheaded by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi have reshaped the country’s manufacturing landscape. KASEZ plays a pivotal role in realizing this vision, contributing significantly to the nation’s export figures. In the fiscal year 2022-23 alone, Gujarat’s SEZs contributed INR 3,507,980 million in physical exports, making up 27.41% of the total. Kandla SEZ alone contributed INR 146,980 million in that period and INR 36,380 million till August 2023. Additionally, these SEZs represented 34.05% of total investments as of December 31, 2022.
Where Sustainability Meets Success
What sets KASEZ apart is not just its economic prowess but also environmental consciousness. In a pioneering move, KASEZ earned the distinction of being India’s first Green Industrial City, achieving the highest ‘Platinum’ rating under the IGBC Green Cities Rating for Existing Cities (in the category of Industrial Cities). This accolade reflects its commitment to ecological preservation, citizen welfare, innovative practices, and sustainable infrastructure management.
A Compassionate Response During Crisis
KASEZ has proved its mettle not only as an economic powerhouse but also as a compassionate entity during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Displaying remarkable social responsibility, Kandla SEZ Authority installed an Oxygen Generating Plant and actively participated in supplying oxygen cylinders, medicines, sanitisers, masks, and other essentials to support the community and the healthcare system during the crisis.
A Green Haven for Business and Nature
To ensure that it remains a hub of business activities while championing environmental conservation, KASEZ transformed a vast expanse of its land into a green belt. Through innovative techniques like the Miyawaki method, over 5 lakh trees were planted, creating a harmonious blend of industry and nature. This green oasis not only enhances the work environment for stakeholders but also signifies KASEZ’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Future Plans
KASEZ has recently unveiled an ambitious plan for the development of 36.92 hectares of the SEZ (roughly 100 acres) with state-of-the-art technology, concentrating on manufacturing sectors that promise significant employment opportunities and local economic growth.
According to Dinesh Singh, Zonal Development Commissioner, the proposed development encompasses several key features, including the creation of greenfield industrial plots ranging from 2,400 square meters to 6,300 square meters, all connected by 18 to 24-meter wide RCC roads with amenities like medians, cycle lanes, and multi-utility zones.
Emphasizing environmental sustainability, a 26,700-square metre green belt has also been proposed. The campus is secure, enclosed from all sides with a single entry and exit point. Furthermore, the plots have been meticulously designed to be Vastu-compliant, ensuring a rectangular shape with east and west orientations.
This initiative not only promotes exports from KASEZ and other SEZs in Gujarat but also showcases a steadfast commitment to attracting foreign investment and global talent to the state. In the words of Dinesh Singh, Zonal Development Commissioner, KASEZ, said, “The promotion of exports from KASEZ and other Gujarat SEZs and foreign investment incentive regimes reflects a clear commitment of the government to attract foreign investment and world-class talent to the state of Gujarat promoting a competitive business environment and offering distinct investment opportunities to diversify the state and nation’s economy.”
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