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Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO
Read the Balcao Synopsis on the website
http://www.goadesc.org/balcao/
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Dear Cybergaokars on GoaNet,
Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event
to be held on 8th July will focus on the
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Goa.
The recent statement of the Union Finance Minister
that Goa should consider having a Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
has sparked of a debate. Central to the discussion is what
are the different kinds of SEZ's and what are the benefits for
Goa and Goans.
Also of great importance is the social, cultural, environmental and
economic impacts of a SEZ. Goa could develop as a major
exports hub and possibly create lot of direct and indirect employment
opportunities for the local youth. The SEZ would be a specifically
delineated duty-free enclave and be deemed to be a foreign territory
for the purposes of trade operations, duties and tariffs. The SEZ
could improve infrastructure like roads and bridges.
Since land is the most important requirement for setting up a SEZ
the availability of around 1,000 hectares would be crucial in Goa.
What are the guarantees that the jobs generated in a SEZ will go
to the local youth ? Will the labour laws be different ? Will the
SEZ turn Goa into a predominantly industrial area and thereby lose its
charm as a tourist destination ? Will the SEZ attract high spending
business tourists and therefore require projects like golf courses,
casinos and more five star luxury hotels ?
What has been the performance of the existing ten odd industrial
estates including that of Verna ? Can the Goa Govt.ensure that they
are in a position to supply basic inputs like water and electricity to
the SEZ without causing inconvenience to the local residents ?
How will the proposed SEZ impact Goa, its population, culture and
environment as projects like the proposed Mopa International Airport
in the North, the Naval Sea Bird project in the South and proposed
Cruise liner Terminal on the West ?
The Balcao discussion will cover these questions and
also evolve an agenda for action by citizens on the issue.
Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm
at the Goa Desc Resource Centre
No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta,
Mapusa and is open to members of the public.
We invite you to express your viewpoint
by attending the Friday Balcao event
but if you cannot attend, then please send your
views and action plan suggestions by post to
FRIDAY BALCAO Post Box 78, Mapusa 403 507
or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Those of you who would like to receive
the regular invitation to Friday Balcao and a one page synopsis
of the fortnightly session can subscribe for the same
by sending Rs.100/- to cover printing and mailing costs.
best wishes,
Roland Martins
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GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE
Documentation + Education + Solidarity
11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507
Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
website: www.goadesc.org
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Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy
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