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SEZs must diversify beyond U.S. market and IT services: CEA
A speech at the 43rd Madras Export Processing Zone foundation day urged SEZs to diversify beyond the U.S. market and IT services, emphasizing building technology, IP, and an innovation moat over cost arbitrage. The speaker highlighted investing in R&D, design patents, and skills within the zone as the path to sustainable export growth.
Why It Matters
The remarks propose a shift in SEZ strategy toward defensible tech and IP, potentially shaping India’s export growth framework beyond traditional cost-based advantages.
Timeline
1 Event
43rd Madras Export Processing Zone foundation day lecture: Future of SEZs
April 30, 2026
“Build technology and IP, not cost arbitrage. Cost advantages erode; defensible technology compounds. Invest in R&D, design patents and skills inside the zone. The exit from a tax holiday must be an entry into an innovation moat,” he said in the 43rd Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) foundation day lecture on the topic, ‘Future of SEZs: Enabling India’s Next Export Growth Wave’.