Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal visited SEEPZ-SEZ in Mumbai on 14th July and reviewed the progress of Mega Common Facility Centre (CFC) and the construction of Standard Design Factories (SDF-9 & SDF-10). SEEPZ-SEZ Development Commissioner Shyam Jagannathan and Joint Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ, CPS Chauhan briefed the minister on the current status of the initiatives.

The Mega CFC aims to provide support for designing and manufacturing of gem & jewellery products. It will enhance the existing quality, productivity, skill of manpower, domestic R&D, technological advancement and cost competitiveness. It will also include a Training Centre for imparting skill development courses and developing skilled manpower for the industry.

A total cost of Rs.82.31 crore has been approved for translating the Mega CFC from concept to creation, which is expected to be operational by 1st May, 2023.

The Mega CFC has been planned with an aim to increase efficiencies of the jewellery processing units including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will offer common facilities which are not available with the individual units as they require huge investment. It is a social project and is not to be considered as a business proposition, the official release stated.

Two new SDFs are proposed to be constructed in SEEPZ-SEZ for relocating the units at SDF-I to SDF-9 and SDF-10. It is proposed to relocate the Electronic Hardware and Software units in SDF-I to SDF-9 and relocate Gem & Jewellery (G&J) units of SDF-I at SDF-10.

The two new SDFs will mark the commencement of the rejuvenation of SEEPZ. They too will be operational by 1st May, 2023.

The rejuvenation is being projected as SEEPZ-SEZ Version 2.0 Rebooted. Optimising the cost of operations and energy usage, reducing the carbon footprint and harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar energy alongside will be key focus areas.

It shall also ensure near zero waste with integrated waste management, sewage treatment, grey water recycling and rainwater harvesting system. The overall objective is to position SEEPZ-SEZ as “Golden Gateway to Global Markets” with infrastructure benchmarked to international best standards, cutting-edge technology and ease of doing business

The MIDC Joint Chief Executive Officer, GJEPC Executive Director Sabyasachi Ray, and trade members of SEEPZ-SEZ were present during the review meeting.

Photo: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal in the Mega CFC review meeting on 14th July. Also seen is GJEPC Executive Director Shri Sabyasachi Ray (seated, fourth from left).