SEZ status not that important now: Nasscom

KOLKATA: IT industry body Nasscom today chose to downplay the need for companies seeking SEZ status to start operations in the country.

"Two years ago, it was very very important. But things have changed now. The more important things are like clearing hurdles and creating centres of excellence," Nasscom chairman C P Gurnani told reporters on the sidelines of 'Nasscom Product Conclave' here today.

It may be noted that Infosys has been holding back its first development centre at Rajarhat as the West Bengal government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is politically opposed to grant Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status. Wipro too is on the same page with its second campus, also in Rajarhat.

Gurnani, CEO and MD of Tech Mahindra, said that people are talking of automation now. "Export benefits and STPI benefits are clearly important," Gurnani said.