Cochin Special Economic Zone

The Cochin Special Economic Zone is a multi-product Special Economic Zone located at Kochi, Kerala. It is established in an area of 41.7ha in the Kakkanad area under the Thrikkakara Municipality.It is a multi-product zone, with industrial units operating in Electronics Hardware, Engineering, Gem & Jewellery, IT & ITES, Agro & Food Processing, Textile & garments, Plastic & Rubber etc. Currently it has around 160 units operating employing more than 15,000 people. In FY2011-12, the total exports from the zone stood at 29,961 crore, recording a 63% rise in exports compared to the previous financial year.For the current financial year 2012-13, as on 30 September 2012, the total exports from CSEZ stand at 16,306 crore, ranking it the third among SEZs in the country''.CSEZ was originally started as one of the first Export Processing Zone in India, and was later converted into a Special Economic Zone in 2003, when that system was introduced. It is operated by the Government of India, Ministry of Commerce, under the CSEZ Authority, and headed by a Development Commissioner. It is the first integrated industrial park in Kerala.The land area of the existing zone in Kochi has been fully utilized. As part of expansion of CSEZ, a proposal to set up phase II of the Zone in 125 acres of land adjacent to the Infopark in Cherthala has been mooted.