New Delhi, Sep 1 (PTI) The mega common facility centre at Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone in Mumbai will help in boosting the global competitiveness of the gems and jewellery sector, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.

The facility, part of the Rs 200-crore makeover plan of the Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone-Special Economic Zone (SEEPZ-SEZ), is expected to be operational by May next year.

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"We are expecting modern machinery to come in (here). I hope this will boost your global competitiveness and with the skill development centre also in place, it will help to enhance quality, productivity, R&D, technology and cost competitiveness," the commerce and industry minister said.

He was speaking at the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony of the centre.

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The ministry has asked the gems and jewellery export promotion council to complete the project in time.

"The project will cost around Rs 200 crore and hope we are able to usher in the 50th anniversary of SEEPZ with its completion within defined time," Goyal said.

The mega common facility centre has been planned to increase the efficiency of the jewellery processing units, including small and medium enterprises, by offering common facilities, which are not available with the individual units as they require huge investment.

Speaking at the event, former chairman of the council Colin Shah assured the minister to complete the project within the stipulated time frame.

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