Jewellery units eye hinterland

Representatives from the jewellery industry are set to meet the state government and officials of MIDC, SEEPZ to discuss the possibilities of shifting a part of the industry to interior parts of Maharashtra, said Jayant Patil, finance minister of the state.

Inaugurating a four-day exhibition cum seminar, Aabha 2005, organised by Gems and Jewellery Machinery and Accessories Association (GJMAA), Patil stated that the meeting will take place soon after the end of the assembly session.

"The state government, in general, and industry ministry, in particular, have shown keen interest in the development of interior parts of the state, especially the northern parts. The move will lead to development of infrastructure and employment opportunities in the interior parts of the state," Patil added.

The state economy is growing at 7.5 per cent, above the average national growth rate of 6.5 per cent per annum.