global crisis

To help special economic zones (SEZs) absorb global economic shocks, the government plans to allow them to make available their excess installed capacities for the use of industrial consumers in the domestic tariff area (DTA). The idea is to ensure that industrial capacities built up in SEZs don’t remain idle in case another global slowdown occurs and dry up export demand. Of course, such contract manufacturing by SEZs would be bereft of any tax relief. Full Article

Dubai, home to the world's tallest tower and the biggest man-made islands, is in a financial crisis. The dream city, where lakhs of expat Indians make a living, is trying to salvage Dubai World, the emirate's flagship in the industrial world, which is struggling to pay back a $ 59 billion loan (around Rs 275,000 crore). Full Article

Exporters of traditional items including textiles, gems & jewellery, handicraft and leather — hit hardest by the slowdown in the Western markets — may get access to cheaper credit to tide over the current global meltdown. The commerce department and the finance ministry are discussing an incentive package for identified labour-intensive export sectors, which could include provision of credit at a subsidised rate and for a longer period. Incentives may also be given t.. Full Article