Date:18/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/01/18/stories/2005011802340300.htm

Back Kamal Nath to meet EOU, SEZ representatives

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Jan. 17

THE Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZ Units (EPCES) is holding an interactive session in Mumbai on January 19 to get feedback from export-oriented units (EOUs) and units in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) on the operation of these schemes and consider their suggestions for the forthcoming Union Budget and the Foreign Trade Policy that is to follow.

In a statement issued here, the Director-General of the EPCES, Mr L.B. Singhal, said that Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr Kamal Nath, would meet representatives of EOUs and SEZs.

Besides senior officials of the Commerce Ministry in charge of these schemes, Chief Commissioners of Customs and Central Excise, representatives of Central Board of Excise & Customs and Joint DGFT would also be present.

The Chairman of EPCES, Mr Sharad Jaipuria, said that it would be a good opportunity for the EOU/SEZ units to have an interaction with the Commerce Minister and senior officials, particularly in the light of the fact that while the SEZ policy had been announced in 2000, SEZ Act remains to be put in place.

Exports from EOUs and SEZ sector are likely to touch Rs 50,000 crore this year.