The Hindu : National : Goa has potential for establishing largest Special Economic Zone: Chidambaram

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, May 31, 2005

National

National

Goa has potential for establishing largest Special Economic Zone: Chidambaram

Anil Sastry

``The State is endowed with natural as well as human resource''

PANAJI: Goa has the potential for establishing the first largest Special Economic Zone in the country, Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said on Monday.

He expressed the hope that it could be achieved within the next six months by a committed State government. The State had rich natural as well as human resource — minerals, water, power, high literacy rate and English language proficiency. However, he could not make any promise on the SEZs as the election code of conduct was in force. (Byelections are to be held in Goa on June 2), He would spell out a plan of action during his next visit to the State.

Mr. Chidambaram was speaking at an interactive session organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) here. Earlier, GCCI president Nitin Kunkolienkar drew the Minister's attention to the flight of industries from Goa to Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal, where the previous NDA Government offered a Central Excise holiday. Similar concessions to Goa would boost the economy, he said. Reacting to the plea, he said area-based concessions always had a negative impact on the economy of other States.

Mr. Chidambaram said he had to strike a balance between the beneficiaries and the rest of the States by imposing a "Sunset Clause" up to March 31, 2007.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National

News Update

Stories in this Section

Speculation rife on Sonia's new team

Move to dissolve Bihar Assembly challenged

Court dismisses petition against Sun TV's DTH application

India will make revised offers in services talks at WTO

"Sabarmati Express attack not a conspiracy"

Barren Island volcano emits smoke

S.K. Modi Bihar BJP chief

Setback to NC as key MLA resigns

Goa has potential for establishing largest Special Economic Zone: Chidambaram

BJP stir in Maharashtra takes a violent turn

NCF seeks to make education relevant

Natwar leaving for Vladivostok today

Militants laud Geelani for not going to Pakistan

One more bookie held

Dancing against odds