The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Dahej has earned a pride of place among the top 25 best global economic zones, as per a global survey of 700-odd 'free economic zones of the future' by 'Foreign Direct Investment (fDi)' bimonthly magazine published by the Financial Times Group.

The multi-product SEZ at Dahej on a fast trajectory growth for the last five years is ranked twenty-third and is the only one from India, Gujarat Government's spokesperson Health Minister Jay Narayan Vyas and Minister of State for Industry Saurabh Patel said here today.

Chief Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi described the Dahej feat as a jewel among the crown, particularly as it is the year of the state's golden jubilee celebrations.

Situated on the coast of Gulf of Cambay, Dahej SEZ is spread over 1,700 ha having attracted investment of nearly Rs.20,000-crore, providing employment to 22,000.

Following the enactment of the Gujarat Special Investment Region Act in an initiative taken by the Chief Minister, Dahej has been notified as Petrochemicals and Petroleum Investment Region (PCPIR). When fully functional, Dahej PCPIR, falling on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), is likely to touch export target of Rs.62,000-crore.

The spokespersons said it was the first-ever survey of its kind. Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade was ranked first and Dubai Free Airport Zone second.

The ranking was judged under eight categories like potential, inward investment, business expansion, cost effectiveness, facilities, transportation and incentives.

The jury included Mr. Jan Desmartz of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ms. Jacqueline Hegarty of fDi, Mr. Greham Mather of World Free Zone Convention, Mr. Paul Smith of UK and Mr. John Torrents of Federation Mondiale.