Gujarat's first pharma SEZ cleared

Pharmez, Gujarat's first pharma SEZ, has been cleared by the ministry of commerce and industry. Spread over 120 hectares, Pharmez will be developed on world-class standards by Zydus Infrastructure.

With the necessary approvals in place, the first phase of the SEZ is likely to be completed by mid 2007.

Pharmez will provide an edge, as it offers the right combination in terms of world-class facility and excellent infrastructure in a professionally managed environment.

Speaking on the pathbreaking initiative Pankaj R Patel, chairman and managing director of Zydus Cadila, said a step in the right direction and one that has been made possible with the active support of the Government of Gujarat.

Total investment expected in the SEZ are to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore. Exports are pegged at Rs 2,000 crore in the first phase. Also it will provide direct employment to about 1,000 people and indirect employment to another 5,000 people.

Strategically located in the pharma corridor of Ahmedabad adjoining the Sarkhej-Bavla highway, Pharmez has been conceptualised and modelled on the lines of internationally reputed pharma parks and free trade zones and is an ideal location for export-oriented pharma manufacturing/biotech and allied industries.

One of the unique aspects of Pharmez would be a museum on the evolution of pharmaceutical science. This will be the biggest and the longest museum in Asia spread over an area of 5,00,000 square feet.

The museum will provide a complete perspective ranging from the early years of medicine-making to the evolution of technology through the years and provide an understanding of new drug discovery processes. International curators and consultants will help in conceptualising the museum and sourcing exhibits.