New model of SEZ developed in Gujarat

MUMBAI: Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that Gujarat has developed a new model for Special Economic Zones, which would not harm agricultural land.

"When there is a nationwide debate going on SEZs, we in Gujarat have developed a policy in such a way that farm land will not be harmed. We are way ahead in the SEZ race as compared to other states," Modi said at a FICCI meet.

"Of the 25 SEZs, work has already started on most of them. We have three separate SEZs for IT. Given the interest in Gujarat shown by the Japanese business community, I have even offered to set up a Japanese SEZ," Modi said.

"The Vibrant Gujarat Investors Summit, which will be held on January 12 and 13 in 2007, will focus on SEZs. We want to market our SEZs and the new culture of SEZs," he said.

Elaborating on his state's position as number one in terms of investment, Modi said, "We have focussed on a proactive approach rather than blindly offering incentives. We have created a investor-friendly environment rather than giving incentives, because incentives will always have a limit but our investor-friendly environment will always remain."

Modi also welcomed investment in food processing sector as a value addition to agriculture and said Gujarat would take "special care" of those who came forward to invest in this sector.