Mega Common Facility Centre (CFC) Project at SEEPZ in Mumbai must be completed within Stipulated Time and Set an Example for such Projects, says Commerce Minister

· Upcoming Mega CFC will Boost Global Competitiveness of the Gems and Jewellery Sector

· CFC to help Small and Medium Enterprises Improve Efficiency and Help them Move up the Value Chain

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Piyush Goyal on 1 September 2022 said that the upcoming Mega Common Facility Centre (CFC) Building in Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) in Mumbai must serve as an example that Government and Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects can also adhere to timeframes and be completed within the stipulated deadlines.

He was virtually addressing the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony of Mega Common Facility Centre (CFC) Building in Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) in Mumbai on 1 September 2022.

The Minister highlighted that a target to complete construction by 1st May 2023 was set and this coincides with the completion of 50 years of SEEPZ and also falls on Maharashtra Day and Labor Day.

The Minister termed the CFC as the crown of SEEPZ and a remarkable achievement of the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Mr. Goyal expressed confidence that it would contribute to the growth of our exports and with ‘Sabka Prayas’, we will surely achieve our goal, he added.

Mr. Goyal observed that India was one of the first in Asia to recognize the effectiveness of Export Processing Zone (EPZ) model in promoting exports, with Asia's first EPZ set up in Kandla in 1965. He said that SEEPZ would be known as the ‘golden gateway’ to global markets and added that mega CFC will be a ground breaking project which will boost global competitiveness of the Gems and Jewellery Sector, offering modern machinery and technical assistance

He observed that with skill development centre in place it will help enhance existing quality, productivity, manpower skills, domestic Research and Development and technology and improve cost competitiveness.

It may be noted that the CFC would also serve as a social project, as it would help units especially Small and Medium Enterprises improve efficiency by providing facilities that need huge investment and help them move up the value chain.

SEEPZ contributes a total Rs. 30,000 Crore worth of exports. Given its large exports and employment potential, government is making every effort to boost Gems and Jewellery sector. FTAs with UAE and Australia have opened several doors for the sector. Exports of plain gold jewellery is gaining traction post India-UAE CEPA and negotiations are ongoing with EU, UK and Canada.