Exports from the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) are likely to grow by 15 per cent in the current fiscal over 2008-09, a senior government official today said.

Also Read   Related Stories News Now - Torrent's plans for Pharmez unit in wait and watch mode - Nucleus enters alliance with Brazilian Senior Solution - Ashok Leyland sales up 57% in Oct - Exports drop by 13.8% in September - Govt raises onion MEP by $145/ton - JK Tyre to double exports from Mexican plants   Also Read   Related Stories News Now - Sensex weak in early trades - 'India welcomes Obama's engagement efforts with Iran' - Den Networks lists at 16% discount - Rupee down 10 paise at 46.57/$ in early trade - Oil mixed in Asian trade More

In the previous fiscal, exports from the SEZs was Rs 99,689 crore.

"In 2009-10, exports from these zones are likely to increase by about 15 per cent...We are confident that exports growth will be there (despite the slowdown)," D K Mittal, Additional Secretary in Commerce Ministry, told reporters here.

He added the shipments were at Rs 1,01,264 crore in the first half of the current fiscal itself. "We have robust growth from the SEZs."

Exports from Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery is likely to contribute substantially to the total shipments this fiscal, another official said.

Gems and jewellery, textiles, engineering and telecommunications SEZs were the major contributers to the exports, according to industry experts.

As on September 30, 578 SEZs have got formal approval, 147 'in-principle' approval, and 340 have been notified. Of this, 101 are functional. The total investments in SEZs were at Rs 1,29,985.52 crore till September.

The total employment in the tax free enclaves as on September 30, was 418,129 people.

Other Stories      - Sensex weak in early trades - 'India welcomes Obama's engagement efforts with Iran' - Den Networks lists at 16% discount - Rupee down 10 paise at 46.57/$ in early trade - Oil mixed in Asian trade More

Tags : SEZ | exports |   Read Business news in  Advertisements   Get financial advisory and solutions for your projects   Holidays starting at a delightful EMI of Rs 3481   Switch on and say hello to Monday morning !   Your dream home can now be a reality.   Visit Fortis for a preventive health check-up & get a 20% discount.   Follow the ups and downs of your investments. Try our new Portfolio Tracker   Kolkata Dock \ Freight contract for the British Gurkhas Nepal   Find how Midsize Businesses use ERP to gain competitive advantage   Trading in Forex is now as easy as 1-2-3   Discover an economical and cost effective way to market your products and services   Giftwithlove.com: Same day delivery of Flowers and Cakes to India   Download the E-book on the Future of Business Intelligence   Learn Best Practices for improving customer satisfaction   Know your customers better... download the free e-book on CRM