SEZ after Goa govt conducts impact assessment: Kamal Nath

Goa government will conduct impact assessment study before allowing more Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath said today.

"I have met Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat, who has told me that the state government will conduct impact assessment study before allowing more SEZs," Nath told reporters here.

The Minister is here to address the second Ministerial Council of Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) in which six nations, including India, are participating.

The other five countries are South Korea, China, Laos, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Goa government has approved seven SEZs, of which five are awaiting Centre's node.

Nath said that the state government was examining all aspects of SEZs before going for them.

"In Goa, there is no issue over sezs... The issue is over land allocations. This aspect needs to be addressed by the state government," Nath said.

Favouring SEZs, Nath said: "In India, 158 SEZs are notified, bringing in investment of Rs 52,000 crores."

"SEZs will provide all inclusive national growth. Industrial activities must include all sections of society," he added.

Nath said his ministry had huge plans for the state which will be announced after the South Goa Lok Sabha by-election, scheduled for October 30, gets over. --PANAJI, OCT 26 (PTI)