The country’s Special Economic Zones have achieved $100 billion dollar worth of exports in FY 2019-20 amidst volatile global economy. The $100 billion exports mark was reached in February. Earlier, SEZs had achieved the landmark of $100-billion worth of exports during the full financial year 2018-19.

“It is observed that while the services segment, constituting majorly of IT & ITeS services, was driver of the export growth at 23.69 per cent,” the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a statement. There was almost 4 per cent growth in manufacturing segment. “This reflects overall expansion and interest in SEZs in the country,” the statement said.

Besides, the number of operational SEZs has grown to 241 as against 235 at the end of FY 2018-19. According to the statement, important sectors that saw healthy growth in this financial year include “Gems & Jewelry (13.3 per cent), Trading & Logistics (35 per cent), Leather & Footwear (15 per cent), Non-Conventional Energy (47 per cent), Textiles & Garments (17.6 per cent). Petrochemicals constitute a major segment of SEZ exports, however, growth was muted in this segment; which may be attributed to softening of global crude prices.”