Seepz, which has achieved the status of SEZ, is to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MIDC to develop six lakh square feet of commercial space for infotech units. Similarly, Diamond and Gem Development Centre, an erstwhile EPZ (export processing zone) now rechristened as Surat SEZ, has already seen around 15 units (largely in the diamond trade) commencing its operations with another 10 units waiting in the wings.

As of now, units under SEZ are available at Seepz, Kandla, Cochin and Surat though none of them, with the exception of Surat has any space to offer.

Seepz has a total of 210 units with hardware, software and gems and jewellery being allotted 70 units each, while Kandla SEZ has been hampered by the devasting earthquake with around 400 units out of 800 being said to be non-operational. Activity at Cochin SEZ is restricted to infotech and spices units. While the initiative by the respective state governments to set up SEZs are still on paper, Positra in Gujarat and Dronagiri in Maharashtra are few locations, where SEZs are taking shape. Positra SEZ Director, Piyush Goyal, believes that simplification of procedures and clarity in the exim policy would trigger off huge FDI through SEZs in the country.