EVALUATION OF SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE RELATED CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN EXPORT AND IMPORT

The world has now evolved into a single global market, making it imperative for companies to
excel in international trade. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have emerged as crucial tools for countries
to attract foreign investment, enhance export-oriented growth, and foster employment opportunities.
SEZs offer tax benefits and preferential treatments to units operating within their confines. This study
seeks to assess the challenges and opportunities related to international trade for SEZ companies. It
conducts a survey to gather insights from various stakeholders, including employees, logistics partners,
and customs housing agents of SEZ companies, regarding international trade operations within SEZs. A
questionnaire is administered to collect opinions on the challenges and opportunities in international
trade within SEZs. The gathered data is then analyzed and interpreted to offer valuable suggestions for
SEZ companies. While SEZ units are presented with numerous opportunities for achieving rapid and
sustainable growth, they also encounter specific challenges and constraints. These challenges may
encompass documentation hurdles, stringent customs regulations, coordination with customs
departments, and management of logistics and supply chain operations. The objective of the study is to
assist companies in managing SEZ-related challenges effectively within the MEPZ (Make in India
Economic Zone) while capitalizing on opportunities for balanced and sustainable growth.