Exports from special economic zones (SEZs) grew 43.11 per cent to Rs 3.15 lakh crore in 2010-11, according to the data of the Export Promotion Council for EOUs.

During 2009-10, exports from these special enclaves stood at Rs 2.20 lakh crore.

The total investments in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as on March, 2011 are about Rs 2 lakh crore, EPCEs Chairman Jatin R Mehta said in a statement.

The sector has provided employment to 6 lakh people as on March 31, this year.

The council said that of the 584 formally approved SEZs, 377 have been notified and 133 are in operation.

At present, these units in these zones enjoy 100 per cent tax exemption on their income for the first five years and 50 per cent in the next five years.