New Delhi, Aug 04: The government has sanctioned 48 agri-export zones (AEZ) to be set up, envisaging a total investment of Rs 1326 croress, Rajya Sabha was informed today. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Satyabrata Mookherjee, said in a written reply that sanction has been granted for setting up of 48 AEZs in 19 different states. Total investment of about Rs 1326 crores, including central government assistance of approximately Rs 380 crores will be realised for the same.
He said that four AEZs had been sanctioned for Uttaranchal for litchis, basmati rice and medicinal and aromatic plants.
To another question he said that delegates from world's leading vehicle manufacturers such as Volvo, Cummins, Navistar, Caterpillar and Delphi have vistited India during the last six months and few large Indian component manufacturers were in discussion with some of them for global contracts.

"It is expected that finalisation of these contracts would start translating into real business to the Indian companies," he said.
Exports of auto parts and accessories during April-February 2002-03 stood at 113,808 metric tonnes, he said.
Bureau Report