Sri City MD Dr Ravindra Sannareddy Appointed Chairman of ASSOCHAM's National SEZ Council
In a significant development for India's industrial and export landscape, Dr Ravindra Sannareddy, the Managing Director of Sri City – one of the nation's largest private sector Special Economic Zones (SEZ) – has been appointed as the Chairman of the National Council on SEZs and Industrial Zones for the term 2026–27. This prestigious council has been constituted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), a leading industry body.
Distinguished Leadership Team Announced
The formation of this high-level council was officially announced by ASSOCHAM president Nirmal K Minda, who emphasized the need for a robust leadership team to guide the industry body's strategic initiatives in the SEZ and industrial zones domain. The council features a trio of accomplished experts:
- Dr Ravindra Sannareddy as Chairman, bringing extensive experience from his role at Sri City SEZ.
- Dr L B Singhal, former Zonal Development Commissioner of Noida SEZ and former Director General of the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs, serving as Co-Chairman.
- Hitender Mehta, Managing Partner of Centrum Legal and author of the book Law & Practice Relating to SEZs, also appointed as Co-Chairman.
Vision for SEZ Ecosystem and Viksit Bharat
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Dr Ravindra Sannareddy stated that he is pleased to take on this responsibility at a crucial juncture when India is actively reimagining its SEZ ecosystem. He highlighted the council's mission to collaborate closely with government authorities and industry stakeholders to strengthen SEZs, positioning them as powerful engines for investment, exports, and industrial growth. This aligns seamlessly with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), aiming to propel the nation towards sustainable economic advancement.
Reviewing Two Decades of SEZ Policy
Dr L B Singhal provided insightful commentary on the timing of this council's establishment. He noted that the SEZ scheme has been operational for two decades since the enactment of the SEZ Act in 2005, making it an opportune moment to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing framework. The goal is to ensure better integration with the domestic economy and enhance the scheme's effectiveness. Dr Singhal emphasized that the SEZ scheme, along with industrial corridor initiatives and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programmes, must work in tandem to robustly support the Make in India campaign. The National Council on SEZs and Industrial Zones will be instrumental in advancing these critical objectives.
Significance Amid SEZ 2.0 Policy Reforms
Hitender Mehta underscored the pivotal timing of the council's formation. He pointed out that it assumes great significance as India is currently shaping the SEZ 2.0 policy framework and considering broader, transformative reforms within the SEZ policy ecosystem. Bringing together such accomplished industry leaders and subject matter experts reflects a clear foresight and demonstrates strong institutional leadership by ASSOCHAM, aimed at navigating the complexities of future industrial growth.
Dr Sannareddy's Proven Track Record
Dr Ravindra Sannareddy is no stranger to leadership roles within ASSOCHAM's SEZ initiatives. He previously served as the Chairman of the ASSOCHAM National Council on SEZs back in 2016, a position he held with distinction for nearly a decade. His expertise has also been recognized at the national level, as he was appointed a member of the National SEZ Policy Committee, further cementing his reputation as a key influencer in India's SEZ and industrial development narrative.
