What are Special Economic Zones (SEZ)?

SEZ is a specifically delineated duty free enclave, which shall be deemed to be a foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations and duties and tariffs.

India wants its SEZ Policy to be WTO compatible. Presently, 354 SEZs are notified, out of which 240 SEZs are operational.

SEZ structure is to increase foreign direct investment by foreign investors, typically an international business or a Multi-National Corporation (MNC).

SEZ structure is to increase foreign direct investment by foreign investors, typically an international business or a Multi-National Corporation (MNC).

The Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Scheme in India was conceived by the Commerce and Industries Minister Murosoli Maran during a visit to Special Economic Zones in China in 1999.