Date:01/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/01/stories/2007060115670100.htm

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Plan to set up export facility brings cheers

K. Subramanian

NAGAPATTINAM: The decision to establish a handloom export zone (HEZ) in the district is expected to boost the economy of the tsunami-hit district to a great extent.

Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister of State for Commerce, in Chennai on Tuesday, announced that five HEZs, includingNagapattinam, would be set up in the State. Handloom exporters in the district have welcomed the move of the Centre in coordination with the State Government for setting up the HEZ for silk furnishing. They pointed out that it would be viable as the Centre would provide Rs.60 lakh and the State Government the infrastructure support.

The people are already happy over the recent announcement of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi that Rs.750-crore captive port would be established at Vettaikaran Iruppu, and a 2000-MW thermal power plant at a cost of Rs.10,000 crore near Tirukkuvalai. Besides, the establishment of the captive port to handle 20 to 40 million tonnes of coal will offer jobs to many agricultural workers during lean season.

R.Velu, Union Minister of State for Railways, said recently at Mayiladuturai that it was proposed to link Velankanni, Tirukkuvalai, Ettukudi and Tiruthuraipoondi by broad gauge.

Mani Shankar Aiyar, Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Youth Affairs, is taking special efforts to establish rural business hubs in his home — Mayiladuturai Lok Sabha constituency.