The Kandla Free Trade Zone (KAFTZ) has registered exports worth Rs 374.15 crore in 1996-97, a 15 per cent growth over the previous years performance of Rs 325.29 crore, according to a release issued by it. The General Currency Area exports, spanning over 50 countries, were Rs 331.91 crore, which is 00.71 per cent of the total exports.
The items exported include readymade garments, made-ups, cosmetics and toiletry preparations, tooth paste, drugs and pharmaceuticals, processed castor oil, plastic products and basmati rice. Among engineering goods, the items were, stainless steel utensils, brass articles and steel structurals.
The net value addition on these exports is over 65 per cent, the release added.
There were 97 units operating in the zone as on March 31, 1997, of which six units were set up during financial year 1996-97. The new units include, projects for manufacture and processing of cosmetics and toiletry preparations, crushed silicon metal, processed peanuts and recycled metallic scrap. The new units contributed about Rs 70 crore to the total exports.
The zone provides direct factory employment to about 8,500 people. Indirect employment is provided in the transport, handling and ancillary industries.
