SEEPZ Launches NEST-2; Piyush Goyal Urges Technology-Driven Growth
SEEPZ-SEZ celebrated a major milestone with the launch of the New Enterprises & Service Tower (NEST-2), marking the next chapter in its redevelopment and modern infrastructure push for India’s gem and jewellery export sector. The inauguration was led by Chief Guest Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, and attended by senior government officials and industry leaders including Vimal Anand, IRS; Dnyaneshwar B. Patil, Zonal Development Commissioner; Shaunak Parikh of GJEPC; Colin Shah of Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC; Adil Kotwal of SGJMA; Vijay Gujarathi of SEEMA; and others.
In his address, Piyush Goyal highlighted that SEEPZ is undergoing transformative change backed by lower power tariffs, waste-to-wealth progress, digital systems, and stronger governance. He stressed that sustainable growth depends on integrity, transparency, and responsible use of resources within the zone. Reaffirming the Government’s Jan Vishwas–based approach to trust-driven governance, he reiterated efforts to simplify regulations, reduce compliance burdens and improve ease of doing business. He encouraged the industry to embrace ambitious, future-ready systems aligned with India’s vision of becoming a $30–35 trillion economy by 2047.
Dnyaneshwar B. Patil called the inauguration a proud day for the SEEPZ community, noting that Minister Goyal’s support has guided each phase of its transformation. He announced that NEXT-3, a significantly larger global-standard project, is already underway and expected to be completed in two years. He outlined SEEPZ’s progress in governance, revenue, and digital initiatives—revenues rising from ₹86 crore to a projected ₹120 crore, waste-to-wealth gains increasing from ₹80 lakh to ₹11.66 crore, and advancements such as India’s first in-house SEZ ERP, 24/7 Customs operations, and the country’s first SEZ-based Foreign Post Office for e-commerce exports. Patil also stressed the need for Global FSI approval from MIDC to unlock SEEPZ’s full potential.
SGJMA President Adil Kotwal described NEXT-2 as a symbol of India’s rising global presence in jewellery manufacturing. He shared that SEEPZ’s exports have risen from ₹23,000 crore to nearly ₹30,000 crore between April and November—a 30% jump despite global challenges. He highlighted industry expectations from upcoming trade agreements with the US, Thailand and Vietnam, and reaffirmed SEEPZ’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies, strengthening compliance, investing in modern manufacturing, and maintaining world-class sustainability standards. He also requested the introduction of a single-window clearance system in SEEPZ by 2026 to support the next phase of redevelopment.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to building a transparent, competitive, and innovation-led export hub that reinforces India’s leadership in global jewellery manufacturing.