SEZ exports worth about Rs 4.5 billion in seven years

Industries operating in special economic zones (SEZs) exported goods worth about Rs 4.5 billion over the past seven fiscal years. According to the Special Economic Zone Authority, the figure covers fiscal years 2076/77 to 2082/83 BS.

Over the same period, these industries sold goods worth about Rs 3.18 billion domestically. In fiscal year 2082/83 alone, exports amounted to about Rs 1.03 billion, the authority said.

Limestone, bulbs, carpets, steel utensils, tanks, plastic goods, granite and furnace oil are mainly sent to India.

According to the authority, of the 26 industries that have obtained operating permits in the Bhairahawa SEZ, 13 are now operating. Six industries are under construction and seven are in the agreement process. About 750 people have found employment in SEZ industries.

The government has announced SEZs in all seven provinces, but so far only the Bhairahawa SEZ has become fully operational.