A special economic zone (SEZ) is an area in which the business and trade laws are different from the rest of the country. SEZs are located within a country's national borders, and their aims include increased trade balance, employment, increased investment. job creation and effective administration.
(i) Special economic zones (SEZs) provide an internationally competitive and hassle free environment for exports. Units in SEZ manufacture goods and provide a range of services.
(ii) SEZs are located in Nanguneri, Ennore, Hosur and Perambalur.
(iii) IT & ITES SE~ named TIDEL-II and TIDEL-III and Bio-Pharmaceuticals SEZ are located in Chennai and Coimbatore SEZ called the TIDEL Park-IV is located in the city.

Cement Industry:
(i) Cement production and consumption continue to grow despite the general recession in the economy. India is one of the largest cement producers and ranked second in the world with an annual. production capacity of 181 million tons.
(ii) Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation Limited (TANCEM) is one among the major cement producers in Tamil Nadu operating two cement units: one at Ariyalur and another at Alangulam.
(iii) Asbestos cement sheet plant at Alangulam and stoneware pipe unit at Virudhachalam are the other units of TANCEM. Sankar Cement, Zuari Cement, Ultratech Cement, Madras Cement and Dalmia Cement are the major private cement brands produced in Tamil Nadu.
Automobile Industries:
(i) Automobile industry plays a crucial role in the state's economy and has been one of the key driving factors.
(ii) Tamil Nadu accounts for about 21% of passenger cars, 33% of commercial vehicles and 35% of automobile components produced in India.
(iii) Major automobile manufacturers like Ford, Hyundai, HM -Mitsubishi, Ashok Leyland, and TAFE have their manufacturing base in Tamil Nadu.

Leather Industry:
(i) Tamil Nadu accounts for 60% of leather tanning processes of India and 38% of all leather footwear, garments and components.
(ii) Hundreds of leather tanneries are located around Vellore and nearby towns, such as Ranipet, Ambur and Vaniyambadi. The Vellore district is the top exporter of finished leather goods in the country.
(iii) Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), a CSIR research laboratory, is located in Chennai.
Paper Industry:
(i) Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited (TNPL) is a government of Tamil Nadu enterprise producing newsprint and printing and writing paper at its mill located at Kagithapuram in Karur district.
(ii) TNPL is one of the most accomplished mills in the world, producing different varieties paper of acceptable' quality primarily from bagasse and pulpwood.
(iii) Other paper mills of the state are found in Pukkathurai of Kancheepuram district, Bhavanisagar, Pallipalayam, Paramathi Vellore, Coimbatore, Udamalaipet, Thoppampatti, Nilakkotai and Cheranmahadevi.

The Organizations at District Level:
(i) District Magistrate (Chairman- District Collector)
(ii) Revenue Department
(iii) Civil Administration
(iv) Local Police
(v) Civil Defence
(vi) Fire & Emergency Services
(vii) Home Guards (also Local Community, Non-Governmental Organisations Voluntary Agencies) etc.

For the management of disasters in the state, the following forces and organizations are in service.
(i) State Disaster Management Authority (Chairman -Chief Minister).
(ii) Relief/ Disaster Management Department.
(iii) Police
(iv) Forest Department
(v) Fire and Civil Defence Services
(vi) Health Services
(vii) Transport Department
(viii) Public Works Department
(ix) Veterinary Services
(x) Food & Civil Supplied Department.