Bihar seeks four SEZs from Union Commerce Ministry

08 Sep 2023 CW Team

Kumar Mahaseth, Industries Minister, Bihar, has made a request to the Union Commerce Ministry to allocate a minimum of four Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Bihar. This request aims to create new investment opportunities in the state.

While speaking to the media in Madhubani, the minister stated that he had sent a letter to the central government. In the letter, he asked for the allocation of at least four SEZs in Bihar. He believes that this step will help Bihar become an attractive destination for new investments.

The minister mentioned that entrepreneurs are showing a lot of interest in Bihar, especially after the announcement of new policies in sectors like textiles and leather. However, the creation of SEZs would provide a significant boost to the state's industries department in its efforts to make Bihar the next investment hotspot.

Officials from the minister's office explained that in the letter to the Commerce Ministry, the minister requested the allocation of four SEZs, which includes those in Bodh Gaya, Fatuha in Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur.

Mahaseth mentioned that he and officials from his department had already met with officials from the railway, civil aviation, and commerce ministries at the central level a few months ago regarding this matter. They plan to meet with the ministers again next month to discuss this further.

Industries department pointed out that Bihar had not been allotted a single SEZ out of the over 400 sanctioned across the country. This absence of SEZs has deterred some investors from fully committing to the state. To address this, they have planned a major investors' meeting scheduled for December this year.

The Bihar Industries Association (BIA) has also been advocating for the allocation of SEZs in the state.

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