Antwerp : The Port of Antwerp  have handled 183.8 million tonnes of freight . 

 

All things considered, these figures are a mild reflection of the state of the economy and of the shipping industry.  The container freight volume in Antwerp remained at around the same level, with 8,629,992 TEU. Expressed in tonnes the fall amounted to 1.1%, to 103,965,023 tonnes. 

 

The ro/ro volume for its part rose by 13.6%, to 4,819,539 tonnes.

 

The number of cars handled in 2012 came to 1,233,159, an increase of 14.1%. By year-end it is expected that 10,804,408 tonnes will have been loaded and unloaded, 14.9% compared to the  previous year.

 

Despite this the Port of Antwerp has managed to further reinforce its position as Europe’s leading steel port in the past few months:

 

Between 1965 to 2000, 7 EPZs were  set up by the Central Government and 1 EPZ was set up in the private sector. However, performance  of the EPZs in 35 years was not very encouraging. Hence,  SEZ Scheme was started and all the existing EPZs were  converted into SEZs. Subsequently, to provide long term stability and continuity to the Scheme, SEZ Act was enacted in the year 2005 and SEZ Act and SEZ Rules were made operational on February 10, 2006.

 

He further informed that interaction with EOUs and SEZ Units will help us in resolving the issues of EOU and SEZ sector.  Shri Patil further said that from time to time their department take up issues with the concerned State Government officers from Gujarat for resolving the State level issues.  

 

He further said that the Ministry of Commerce is considering to revise amendments in SEZ Rules very soon since this sector is providing huge investment and employment for the country. As regards EOUs, the Committee set up by Ministry of Commerce for revamping and remodeling EOU Scheme has submitted its recommendations to Ministry of Commerce for consideration.

 

 Shri O.P. Kapoor, Dy.Director General, EPCES informed that meeting with EOUs and SEZs will help the Council for resolving their issues with the concerned Central and State Departments.  He further informed that EPCES is the only Council, which is scheme specific and multi products Export Promotion Council catering to the export promotional needs of EOUs and SEZs in the country.  It was informed that there are approx. 6000 operational EOUs and SEZs in India and out of which 654 units are from Kandla SEZ viz. 51 units from Ahmedabad and 46 Units in Jamnagar and 48 in Vadodara.  The EOU and SEZ sector is contributing 31% to national exports. 

 

 Out of 654 operational EOUs and SEZ Units from Kandla SEZ, only 240 are the members of the Council and out of 17 operational SEZ Developers, 9 SEZ Developers are members of the Council.  EPCES requested all the operational EOUs and SEZs to enroll themselves as members of the Council so that this Council take up their issues effectively.

 

 The meeting was attended by more than 50 units and these units were explained about the role of Export Promotion Council and also explained the financial assistance available under MDA and MAI Scheme of Government of India.  The members were also informed while participating in the exhibitions abroad B2B meetings are also arranged by the Council with foreign exporters and investors.

 

 Shri Sureshji Prembhai Hirpara, Regional Chairman, Kandla SEZ highlighted the issues of EOUs and SEZs, which are pending with the State and Central Government.  He requested Joint Development Commissioner, Kandla SEZ to use his good offices for resolving the issues of EOUs and SEZs

 

EOUs:

 

·         CST reimbursement related to goods used in DTA sales.

 

·         Clarification  in respect of terminal excise duty refund

 

·         Payment of deemed export drawback to 100% EOUs.

 

·         Permission for melting of surplus imported raw materials

 

SEZs:

 

·         Necessary amendments to Rule 2 & 3 and Rule 50 of SEZ Rules.

 

·         To provide printing facility of Form I under Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 on NSDL SEZ on Line System for purchases under Form ARE-1. 

 

While proposing vote of thanks, Shri Ajay Kothary, Member, Central Governing Council thanked Joint Development Commissioner, Kandla SEZ for patiently hearing the issues of EOUs and SEZs from the State of Gujarat.  He assured members the Council will regularly with the units  for resolving their issues.