JNPT, the premier container port in the country is developing a multi-product Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in its owned free hold land of 277 hectares at Navi Mumbai. The multi-product port based SEZ aims to boost exports by enabling port-led industrialization under Sagarmala initiative of Ministry of Shipping. The foundation stone of the project was laid by the Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in August 2014.
JNPT reached yet another mile stone in development of SEZ by becoming the first of its kind operational Port based multi-product SEZ. Two units in JNPT SEZ namely, OWS LLP and Krish Food Industry (India) have completed their first phase of operational activity and are declared operational units by Development Commissioner, SEEPZ, SEZ. The efforts rendered by these units during the challenging times of Covid-19 are commendable. Apart from the first 2 companies, 3 more companies are likely to commence their construction activities soon.
Commenting on the progress of SEZ, Mr. Sanjay Sethi, IAS, Chairman, JNPT said, “For JNPT, this is truly a great occasion as JNPT becomes the first port where Port-led economic development is evolving successfully. JNPT is confident of attracting leading global companies for making India a manufacturing hub as the infrastructure development underway in JNPT SEZ is as per the international benchmark. The potential units investment and the employment generation will give a boost to the entire entire eco-system around JNPT region. I thank Development Commissioner, SEEPZ, Ministry of Commerce, GoI for their timely support and guidance in developing and operationalizing the first Port based multiproduct SEZ and I thank all the stakeholders too for the timely support in making this possible.”
All together there are 19 MSME and 1 Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) co-developer who have been allotted the plots in JNPT SEZ till date. It is expected that all the remaining units will follow the suit and become operational in the near future. Over the last months, JNPT has been continuously working towards successful operationalization of the SEZ. The SEZ once fully occupied is expected to generate Rs 4,000 Crores of investments and create 57,000 jobs in the SEZ.
JNPT is leaving no stone unturned to ensure world class infrastructure and facilities to units in the SEZ. JNPT enjoys the Special Planning Authority (SPA) status for the SEZ project. Also, the Electricity distribution license from MERC, GoM is provided to JNPT SEZ. All the clearances for setting up of SEZ are in place. This will further help in reducing setup time and cost for the units being setup in JNPT SEZ and will further enhance the “Ease of Doing Business”.
Source:- Daily Shipping Times
