New EPC for EOUs, SEZ, EPZ units

NEW DELHI: A new export promotion council (EPC) representing export-oriented units and units located in special economic zones (SEZs), export processing zones (EPZs), software technology parks (STPs) and electronic hardware technology parks (EHTPs) is on the cards.
A number of exporters running units in these categories are working for the formation of the new body with the blessings of the commerce department.
Exporters said the Confederation of Export Units, which now looks after the interests organisations falling under these categories, would be converted into an EPC.
Officials of the commerce department have indicated their willingness to support formation of the new EPC and make registration with this organisation mandatory for EOUs as well as units in the EPZ, SEZ, STP and EHTP categories.
Though CEU now looks after export promotion by these units, the confederation is not eligible for market development assistance (MDA) grants.
Nor does the confederation enjoy the benefit of higher membership which EPCs enjoy since it is mandatory for exporters to be affiliated to an EPC.
The membership of CEU is only 250 now though there are 2,700 units in the EOU, EPZ and SEZ category. Once the Confederation is converted into an EPC membership will increase, pushing up its weightage and capability for pursuing policy issues.
CEU president R Veeramani has been consulting officials of the commerce ministry as well as exporters on the formation of the new EPC. The response from the export community has been enthusiastic, he said. Drafts for the required documents are under preparation .
The initial thinking was to maintain CEU as an independent identity and go in for building of the proposed EPC afresh. However, officials of the commerce department have indicated that conversion of CEU would be a better alternative.