Sri City, March 15, 2026:Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) constituted its National Council on SEZs & Industrial Zones for 2026–27, bringing together eminent industry leaders and domain experts to guide policy dialogue and strengthen India’s Special Economic Zone ecosystem.
Dr. Ravindra Sannareddy, Managing Director of Sri City—one of India’s largest private sector Special Economic Zones and integrated business cities—has been appointed Chairman of the Council.
The leadership team includes Co-Chairmen Dr. L. B. Singhal, former Zonal Development Commissioner of Noida Special Economic Zone and former Director General of the Export Promotion Council for EOUs and SEZs, and Mr. Hitender Mehta, Managing Partner of Centrum Legal and author of the book Law & Practice relating to Special Economic Zones.
The formation of the Council was announced by Mr. Nirmal K. Minda, President of ASSOCHAM, who has brought together a distinguished leadership team to steer the industry body’s initiatives in the SEZ and industrial zones domain.
Dr. Ravindra Sannareddy, said he was pleased to take on the responsibility of leading the Council at a time when India is reimagining its SEZ ecosystem. “Council would work closely with government and industry stakeholders to strengthen SEZs and position them as engines of investment, exports and industrial growth in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat,” he noted.
Dr. Singhal observed that the SEZ scheme has completed two decades since the enactment of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, making it an appropriate time to review the framework for better integration with the domestic economy. “The SEZ scheme, industrial corridor initiatives and the Production Linked Incentive programmes must work in tandem to encourage ‘Make in India’. This National Council on SEZs & Industrial Zones will work towards advancing these objectives,” he noted.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Hitender Mehta said the Council’s formation assumes significance at a pivotal time when India is shaping the SEZ 2.0 policy framework and considering broader reforms in the SEZ policy ecosystem. He noted that bringing together accomplished industry leaders and subject experts reflects foresight and strong institutional leadership.
Dr. Ravindra Sannareddy earlier served as Chairman of the ASSOCHAM National Council on SEZs beginning in 2016, a role he held for nearly a decade. In 2018, he was appointed as a Member of the National SEZ Policy Committee. Additionally, he was the Founding Chairman of ASSOCHAM’s Southern Regional Council from 2010, a position he continued in for about ten years.
The ASSOCHAM’s National Council on SEZs & Industrial Zones serves as a platform for industry collaboration and policy engagement, promoting best practices, facilitating reforms, and strengthening India’s global competitiveness in manufacturing and exports.