CII urges govt to set up multiproduct SEZs

The CII has urged the Puducherry government to speed up the process of setting up multi-product special economic zones (SEZs) at Sedarapet and Karaikal in Puducherry.

CII-southern region chairman CR Swaminathan said here that the proposed SEZs would boost the manufacturing sector.

The CII also urged the government to set up an integrated textile park, which could provide employment opportunities for the people in the rural sector. At present, five such textile mills are operating in Puducherry.

Stating that the Union territory needs to upgrade its airport and implement the Chennai-Puducherry rail link via East Coast Road, which would reduce travel time by two hours, he said they could also leverage the huge talent pool in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.

Sriram Subramanya, founder, managing director and chief executive officer of Integra Software Services, said the government should look at attracting small and medium enterprises and IT/ITeS companies. Also, every year around 10,000 students pass out from colleges in and around Puducherry. Here there is no shortage of manpower.

To attract IT/ITeS investments, the government should look at withdrawing height restriction for constructing office establishments. Companies, at present, cannot construct beyond 20 metre, added A L Shah, director, LEO Frsteners.