http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/31/stories/2005053102631300.htm
Goa has potential for establishing largest Special Economic Zone:
Chidambaram
Anil Sastry
``The State is endowed with natural as well as human resource''
PANAJI: Goa has the potential for establishing the first largest Special
Economic Zone in the country, Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said
on Monday.
He expressed the hope that it could be achieved within the next six months
by a committed State government. The State had rich natural as well as
human resource -- minerals, water, power, high literacy rate and English
language proficiency. However, he could not make any promise on the SEZs
as the election code of conduct was in force. (Byelections are to be held
in Goa on June 2), He would spell out a plan of action during his next
visit to the State.
Mr. Chidambaram was speaking at an interactive session organised by the
Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) here. Earlier, GCCI president
Nitin Kunkolienkar drew the Minister's attention to the flight of
industries from Goa to Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal, where the
previous NDA Government offered a Central Excise holiday. Similar
concessions to Goa would boost the economy, he said. Reacting to the plea,
he said area-based concessions always had a negative impact on the economy
of other States.
Mr. Chidambaram said he had to strike a balance between the beneficiaries
and the rest of the States by imposing a "Sunset Clause" up to March 31,
2007.
