Centre's nod for 7 SEZs in Gujarat: Modi

Chief minister Narendra Modi has said that Gujarat will become the special economic zone (SEZ) capital of the country.

Modi was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the gem & jewellery park at the Ichhapore GIDC in the outskirts of Surat on Sunday.

Modi said, "Gujarat is the number one state in the country in the SEZ Act. We have already got permission from the Central government for seven SEZs, while other states are lagging way behind us. Gujarat is truly on its way to become the SEZ capital of India in the coming years."

"We are not only concentrating on developing SEZs. We have also written to the Central government seeking facilities and benefits for the industrial parks that are at par with the SEZs," he said.

Modi also called upon the need for developing the `Gujarat Brand'. "Gujarat, which is developing at a fast pace, is being watched the world over. This is the age of branding, and the best time to market Gujarat as a brand. We have shown that we have the potential and capacity, but we need to gear up and make all-out efforts to achieve this goal," he said.

Quoting a recent survey by an international agency, Modi said, "The survey has shown that if there is any state in India that can stand up to China, it is Gujarat. The survey was based on 12 parameters. Gujarat fared better than China in half of the parameters," while both China and Gujarat earned equal points for three parameters. China is ahead of Gujarat in the remaining parameters, but the difference is little."

Modi also stressed on the need for advance and thorough preparation.

"Surat is one of the largest centres of diamond industry in the world. It is important to explore new avenues of growth, but at the same time, the industry should be ready to face unexpected problems," he said.

The diamond industry could face raw material shortage in the future, but if we start looking at the other markets from now itself, the problem would never arise," he said.

Modi officially announced a grant of Rs 15 crore for cluster development in the gem & jewellery park, and called upon the Gujarat Hira Bourse to complete the project, before it's three-year target.

Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council chairman Bakul Mehta, said, "The diamond industry of India has progressed by leaps and bounds in recent years. While in 1966 the total diamond exports from the country were worth $28 million, today there are over 100 companies, whose individual exports are higher than this."

"Diamond exports from India stand at $12 billion, which is further expected to go up. However, as far as jewellery is concerned, India's contribution is minuscule. Indian jewellery industry constitutes less than five per cent of the world market, but we are confident that with projects such as the jewellery park, the Indian industry will be able to turn things around," he said.

The bhumi pujan ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including former Union minister Kashiram Rana, energy minister Saurabh Dalal, Rajya Sabha MP Savita Sharda, MLAs and leading diamond businessmen of Surat.

Modi also laid the foundation stone of a project, under which Surat Urban Development Authority is developing 266 houses for the economically weaker sections.

The project is part of the 20-point programme of the state government.

He also laid the foundation stone of the multi-layer flyover bridge, being built from Udhna Darwaza to RTO, on Ring Road, by Surat Municipal Corporation.

The bridge is estimated to cost Rs 25.32 crore. The work for converting four existing roads of the city into cement concrete roads, was also kicked off by Modi on Sunday. SMC would spend Rs 47.28 crore for converting the four roads into cement concrete roads.