Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s trade and export sector has witnessed unprecedented transformation over the last decade. Through policy reforms, digital governance, trade facilitation, and deeper integration with the global economy, India has established a strong presence in global trade. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have played a significant role in this transformational journey by driving development, attracting investment, and boosting exports.

The outreach program showcasing the achievements, progress, and future vision of Gujarat’s SEZ sector over the past 12 years was inaugurated by Shri Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India; Shri Gyaneshwar B. Patil, Zonal Development Commissioner of Kandla Special Economic Zone (KASEZ); and Shri P. Swaroop, Industries Commissioner, Government of Gujarat. The event was organized jointly by the Government of Gujarat and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

Highlighting India’s growing global trade footprint, Shri Ajay Bhadoo stated that India’s total exports have increased from approximately USD 441 billion to USD 863 billion over the last decade. This growth has been driven significantly by engineering products, petroleum products, electronics, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and chemicals. Gujarat has emerged as a major contributor to this growth, accounting for approximately USD 110 billion in exports.

He noted that Gujarat took a historic initiative by establishing Free Trade Zones in 1965. At that time, not only in India but across Asia, such a visionary model of industrial development was rarely conceived. Gujarat played a pioneering role in this field and paved the way for global investment and export-led growth.

He emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Made in India, Make for the World.” To improve the ease of doing business, the Government of India has launched major digital initiatives such as Trade Connect, the Trade Intelligence and Analytics (TIA) Portal, and the Merchandise Imports Monitoring Portal (MIMP). He also noted that the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) has become a symbol of trust for India at the global level.

He further stated that India’s proactive trade diplomacy has resulted in important Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia, and the United Kingdom, while negotiations with the European Union and New Zealand are progressing. These agreements are creating new opportunities for Indian exporters.

He added that the Government has launched an Export Promotion Mission with an outlay of ₹25,600 crore for the period from FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31. The mission aims to strengthen the export ecosystem, support the MSME sector, and accelerate India’s integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs).

Shri Gyaneshwar B. Patil, Zonal Development Commissioner, stated that SEZs have emerged as key drivers of investment, employment, innovation, and exports, and are playing a crucial role in realizing the visions of “Make in India,” “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” and “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

He reported that exports from Gujarat’s SEZs increased from ₹1,79,808 crore in 2014–15 to ₹3,00,793 crore in 2025–26, reflecting growth of nearly 67 percent. Gujarat currently contributes approximately 21 percent of India’s total SEZ exports. During the same period, investments in Gujarat’s SEZs increased from ₹1,22,654 crore to ₹2,28,624 crore, while employment opportunities rose from 63,475 to more than 222,000 jobs.

Highlighting Gujarat’s emergence as a high-technology manufacturing hub, he stated that four semiconductor SEZs have been approved in the state, including those of CG Semi Technologies, Kaynes Semicon, Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Micron Technology.

As a major step toward achieving the goal of making Gujarat a USD 3.5 trillion economy by 2047, the Government of Gujarat announced the “Viksit Gujarat Industrial Policy 2026” on June 15, 2026. Elaborating on the policy, Industries Commissioner Shri P. Swaroop stated that it presents a visionary and transformative framework aimed at developing Gujarat into a global hub for advanced manufacturing, innovation, and sustainable development. Under the policy, 21 key sectors have been identified to position Gujarat as a global center for manufacturing and value addition.

During the event, representatives from Zydus SEZ, INOX, KASEZ, and Micron SEZ shared their industrial success stories and highlighted the proactive support provided by the government in their growth journeys.

SM/DK/JD

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