The correct answer is: A) Export-oriented units.
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are designated areas with economic and trade laws that are more liberal than a country’s standard commercial laws. They are designed to attract foreign investment and promote exports.
SEZs in Kerala offer a number of incentives to export-oriented units, including:
- Exemption from customs duty on import of capital goods and raw materials
- Exemption from central excise duty and service tax
- Exemption from state sales tax
- 100% income tax exemption for a period of five years, followed by 50% exemption for the next five years
- Accelerated depreciation on plant and machinery
- Single-window clearance for all approvals
- Availability of land at concessional rates
- Availability of skilled manpower
- Proximity to international airports and seaports
These incentives make SEZs in Kerala an attractive proposition for export-oriented units.
Option B, tourism-related businesses, is incorrect because SEZs are not specifically designed to attract tourism-related businesses. However, they may benefit from some of the general incentives offered by SEZs, such as exemption from customs duty and central excise duty.
Option C, agricultural processing industries, is incorrect because SEZs are not specifically designed to attract agricultural processing industries. However, they may benefit from some of the general incentives offered by SEZs, such as exemption from customs duty and central excise duty.
Option D, heavy industries, is incorrect because SEZs are not specifically designed to attract heavy industries. However, they may benefit from some of the general incentives offered by SEZs, such as exemption from customs duty and central excise duty.