Gujarat government is finalizing the new industrial policy for the period 2009-2013 with a focus on industry friendly labour law and specific norms for the pharma Special Economic Zones, it is learnt.

According to official sources, the new industrial policy is currently in the discussion stage and the draft policy is yet to be prepared. With a target to achieve an industrial growth of 15 per cent in the period, the draft policy is likely to have specific guidelines for pharma and biotech industry. The new policy is expected to be announced in the Vibrant Gujarat programme, to be held in the state in January 12 and 13.

Even as the industrial policy 2003 was acclaimed by the industry, it lacked clarity in the notification with regard to the setting up of SEZs. Now, the government is reframing the policy to include clear-cut and flexible norms for the special zones, informed industry sources. Though the biotech industry in the state is also expecting benefits from the new policy, the officials refused to comment on the details at this stage.

"We cannot comment on whether there would be specifications about the biotech industry in particular, we expect it will also be covered along with automobile and health industry sector in the policy," said a source from Gujarat State Biotech Mission (GSBTM).

"We are expecting relaxation in current labour laws through the new policy and of course, the government is considering this at present as we heard from the official sources. However, the state industry department has not officially called for our views on the industrial policy," said Dr R S Joshi, executive secretary, Gujarat State Board, Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA).

He added that the policy is likely to benefit the five pharma SEZs set up by major pharmaceutical companies in the state. Currently, Zydus Cadila, Cadila Pharmaceuticals and Dishman Pharmaceuticals are in the process of setting up SEZs in Ahmedabad while the Mumbai based J B Chemicals has initiated works for its special zone facility in Ankaleshwar. Another SEZ at Mundra, Kutch, will also have space for pharmaceutical companies to initiate their operations.

Savli Biotech Park, the prestigious project undertook by the GSBTM is also seeking SEZ status from the government, for the benefit of biotech industry in the state. If officials in GSBTM is also looking forward for the policy, as the SEZ specifications may soon effective to the Park, if it gets the official nod from the government as SEZ.

The industry is also expecting more investment opportunities to be created for the pharmaceutical sector with the new policy, as the discussions are said to be on increasing the growth rate of industry. The government is likely to announce special incentives and subsidies for the industry through the policy, expects the industry sources.