In the 57th meeting held on 8th October 2026, GST Council made recommendations relating to process reforms primarily covering registration, returns, refund and adjudication; clarifications regarding applicability of GST on supply of certain goods and services; and other measures for trade facilitation and streamlining compliances in GST. Specifically regarding SEZs, for refund claims on account of zero-rated supplies (SEZ to DTA), in phase 1, 90% of the amount claimed will be sanctioned on provisional basis automatically by the system, without officer intervention, on the basis of identification and evaluation of risk by the system and in phase 2, there will be system-based automated acknowledgment (without officer intervention) on due verification of the refund application by the system and in such acknowledged cases, automated sanction of full refund claim by the system (without officer intervention), in respect of claims pertaining to zero rated supplies, after adjusting pending dues, if any, on the basis of identification and evaluation of risk by the system. GST Council also recommended insertion of an explanation to section 16(1) of the IGST Act, 2017 to provide that in the cases where goods are supplied to an overseas buyer, but the delivery of goods is made to the said buyer in an SEZ/FTWZ, and the payment for such supply is received in convertible foreign exchange or in Indian Rupees wherever permitted by the RBI, then such a supply will be deemed to be supply of goods to an SEZ/FTWZ. This will provide certainty regarding zero rating benefit to Indian manufacturers making supply of goods for overseas buyers by making delivery to them in an SEZ/FTWZ for warehousing or further processing.

SEZEPC SEEPZ regional office participated in the Economic Review Meet organised by EXIM Bank on 7.10.2026 at their WTC Office which mainly highlighted on the cross border trade, geo political scenario, the trade policies with different countries, the supply chain diversification, digitalisation as well as the growing AI popularity in global trade. The presentations were given by Senior Economists Ms Maitre and Ms Sarkar from EXIM Bank. Few EOU members were also present during the session. RD SEEPZ also interacted with Mr Dharmendra Sachan, GM and Mr Sailesh Joshi Manager EXIM Bank with regard to organization of events along with Exim Bank for the benefit of the EOU and SEZ Sector.

The BRICS New Delhi Declaration expressed concern about unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures inconsistent with WTO rules and their effect on supply chains. Members supported WTO reform and restoration of a functioning two-tier dispute-settlement system. They also opposed unlawful unilateral coercive measures.

The BRICS Business Forum, the flagship private sector platform of the BRICS grouping, was held on 11 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal today underlined the need for member and partner countries to build deeper, more resilient and balanced trade partnerships. The Opening Session was also addressed by H.E. Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation; Union Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar; Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology Shri Jitin Prasada; and Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal. From SEZEPC side, Shri Srikanth Badiga, Chairman, Shri Vilas Gupta, CGC member and Shri Sunil Puri, Regional Chairman, NSEZ, participated.

The BRICS Business Forum, the flagship private sector platform of the BRICS grouping, was held on 11 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal today underlined the need for member and partner countries to build deeper, more resilient and balanced trade partnerships. The Opening Session was also addressed by H.E. Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation; Union Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar; Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology Shri Jitin Prasada; and Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal. From SEZEPC side, Shri Srikanth Badiga, Chairman, Shri Vilas Gupta, CGC member and Shri Sunil Puri, Regional Chairman, NSEZ, participated.

Speaking from the Red Fort, PM Modi placed manufacturing first among seven growth engines ("Shakti Ki Saptadhara"). He said three semiconductor plants have started production and chip

Government has set up an inter-ministerial committee on larger SEZ Reforms and harmonisation of Export Promotion Schemes in February 2026 under the chair of Shri Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal today urged State Governments to fully utilise the BHAVYA Industrial Parks Scheme and accord the highest priority to exports, calling for a coordinated national effort to strengthen India's export competitiveness.

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal chaired an interaction with Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and Industry Associations in New Delhi

Shri Badiga Srikanth, Chairman Export Promotion Council for EOUs & SEZs (SEZEPC) participated in the meeting of Governor, Reserve Bank of India with Representatives of Export Organisations

An outreach program showcasing the achievements, progress, and future vision of Gujarat’s SEZ sector over the past 12 years was inaugurated on 17.6.2026 by Shri Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry,

On June 19, 2026, Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Jitin Prasada, inaugurated the state-of-the-art Customs Export–Import