Mumbai: India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Mr. Piyush Goyal unveiled the NEST–02 (New Enterprises & Services Tower – Phase 2) at the Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) yesterday, calling for stronger partnership between industry and the government to boost efficiency, transparency, and skilling.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Goyal said SEEPZ must mirror the rapid economic growth witnessed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged unit owners to expand skill-based training programmes, especially those aimed at empowering differently-abled youth, noting that a skilled workforce will be vital to driving India’s future economy.
Mr. Goyal stressed that clean and transparent functioning should remain the foundation of SEEPZ’s governance. He appealed to industry stakeholders to join hands with the administration to ensure accountability in all operations, adding that maintaining integrity is a collective obligation.
Highlighting the importance of fair allotment of space, he said that auction-based and transparent procedures will prevent misuse and ensure optimal utilisation of available plots. He encouraged the industry to reassess unoccupied land parcels and work with the managing committee to boost export performance.
During his visit, Mr. Goyal reviewed infrastructure improvement plans at SEEPZ, including enhancements to internal roads, landscaping, and overall aesthetics. He said SEEPZ should embody the image of a modern India and serve as a benchmark for Special Economic Zones nationwide.
The Minister also pointed to the Government’s reform-driven approach—such as Jan Vishwas-related amendments, decriminalisation efforts, and compliance simplification—which is based on mutual trust between industry and the administration. He urged industries to honour this trust by adopting transparent and ethical practices.
Reaffirming the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Goyal said that both industry and government must strengthen domestic capabilities, support Swadeshi initiatives, uphold high standards, and gear up for upcoming opportunities as India moves towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Concluding his address, the Minister said SEEPZ should evolve into a world-class hub for production and exports, aligning with the country’s economic ambitions. He assured full Government support for innovation, competitiveness, and industry-led growth.
