Karnataka govt to press for SEZs

The Karnataka government will request the Centre to sanction product-specific special economic zones (SEZs) for Dharwad and Belgaum districts.

Announcing this after inaugurating the five-day industrial and trade exhibition 'Incomex-2007' organised at the Nehru Stadium in Hubli, Karnataka industries minister Katta Subramanya Naidu said the state government had reserved about 100 hectares in each district for a sector-specific SEZ.

He said the state was awaiting approval from the Centre.

Stating that the government was ready to fulfil all conditions laid down by the Centre to establish an SEZ, Naidu called on the private sector to pressure Centre to secure sanction.

Establishment of SEZs will attract industrial investment and sops will be offered for new industries coming up in the area, he added.

The minister warned that the government will act against those who have been allotted industrial sheds do not shift their units from the city to the Auto Complex.

He promised that special attention would be given to the development of industries and adequate funds will be allocated in the forthcoming budget.

Karnataka revenue minister Jagadeesh Shettar said the state government was planning to hold another round of investors' meet in Hubli in March/April to attract investments to North Karnataka, excluding Hubli-Dharwad.