“The mega CFC will empower small manufacturers, train and upskill them as well as help them scale up their quality of production. This, in turn, is sure to reflect in the contribution made to the export of the country, in terms of quality and volume.” - Shyam Jagannathan (IAS), Development Commissioner
May 2022: Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone-Special Economic Zone (SEEPZ-SEZ), acknowledged as an engine powering the nation’s economic growth, commenced its Golden Jubilee celebrations recently. Set up on May 1, 1973 as a single product EPZ for electronic items as per a notification by the Government of India, its scope was extended to cover gems and jewellery in 1987-88. It was declared one of India’s first Special Economic Zones in 2000 and then a multi-sector SEZ in December 2019.
There are over 180 jewellery units within SEEPZ-SEZ, doing a significant quantum of export business for gems & jewellery and other merchandise. Overseas, the jewellery manufactured here is well-known as SEEPZ jewellery, indicating its high brand recognition and value. SEEPZ-SEZ alone accounts for a quarter of the jewellery imports of the USA, the world’s largest consumer of jewellery. It contributes to 53 percent of India’s studded jewellery export as well as 31% of total jewellery export from the country.
Not one for resting on its laurels, SEEPZ-SEZ has amped its game by taking forward the implementation process of redeveloping and rejuvenating the 110-acre zone with the aim to make it the ‘Golden Gateway to Global Markets’.
During his address, the Development Commissioner Shyam Jagannathan (IAS) 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; the project was announced by the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Government of India, Piyush Goyal last year. 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. It’s an Rs 80-crore project, which is targeted for completion by May 1, 2023. The other plans include two new SDF (Standard Design Factory) buildings, where members of the oldest SDF buildings – 1 & 2 - will be shifted. The completion of these new buildings will make way for two more new buildings later.
“After surmounting innumerable odds while steering through the uncharted waters of a global pandemic and emerging triumphant, our next challenge is to take SEEPZ-SEZ to even greater heights in terms of positioning and performance. This endeavour commences on an auspicious note with the commencement of a year-long schedule of activities at SEEPZ-SEZ to highlight the significance of the existing achievements as well as the transformation that lies ahead. The existing complex into a state-of-the-art campus with iconic smart buildings having world-class facilities for units to operate on a plug and play basis, along with the latest infrastructure facilities for business and facilitating ease of doing business with global competitiveness. The mega CFC will empower small manufacturers, train and upskill them as well as help them scale up their quality of production. This, in turn, is sure to reflect in the contribution made to the export of the country, in terms of quality and volume,” said Mr. Jagannathan.
During the ceremony, Joint Development Commissioner CPS Chauhan (IRS) made a brief presentation highlighting key aspects and achievements. Aligned to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, the redevelopment and rejuvenation of SEEPZ-SEZ has been designed to create more space and attract global investments and generate work. “SEEPZ is SEEPZ, it is a brand in itself, recognised worldwide. This is the reason why numerous jewellery manufacturers want to be associated with the zone, but there is not enough space. The new redevelopment steps that we are taking will open up more spaces, this will help to attract new investors and in turn, lead to generation of work opportunities,” shared Mr. Chauhan.
As it stands today, the hub is known to generate direct employment for close to 55,000 individuals and another 40,000 for indirect employment. “The SEEPZ-SEZ is a story waiting to be told – not only as a success story of a sector or as a number-cruncher, but also individual stories especially during the pandemic. It is as heroic as those on the war-front,” added Mr. Jagannathan.
Some of these stories were shared by the pioneer members of SEEPZ-SEZ as well as former Development Commissioners, who were felicitated at the half-day inaugural event. The year-long celebrations will also be marked by special tribute events, marathons and cyclathons, among others, till the grand culmination on May 1, 2023.
Interestingly, 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 brands like Serum Institute, which brought India on the global map with the manufacture of Covishield Vaccine. 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. Total Exports of the Entire Zone with 694 units during FY 2021-22 stood at Rs.1,54,328 crore.
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