In the context of India's export promotion, Asia's first Export Processing Zone (EPZ) was set up at which of the following locations?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to India's economic geography and industrial policy, focusing on Export Processing Zones, which were created to boost exports and attract foreign investment. Asia's first Export Processing Zone was set up in India, making it an important milestone not only in national policy but also in the wider Asian economic landscape. Knowing its location helps you connect geography with trade and development policy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about Asia's first Export Processing Zone, not just India's first.
• The site was chosen to promote export-oriented industrialisation.
• Options include Santa Cruz, Kandla, Cochin and Surat.
• We assume standard facts from Indian economic geography and government policy history.

Concept / Approach:
Kandla, located in Gujarat, is a major port on the western coast of India. It was chosen as the location for Asia's first Export Processing Zone, set up in the 1960s, to take advantage of port facilities and to encourage export-oriented industries. Santa Cruz in Mumbai later became known for a Special Economic Zone for electronics, but it was not Asia's first EPZ. Cochin and Surat are important ports or commercial centres, yet they do not hold this specific historical distinction.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Asia's first EPZ was established in India and that it is widely cited in economic geography. Step 2: Remember that this pioneering EPZ was set up at Kandla in Gujarat to make use of port connectivity. Step 3: Compare this memory against the options: Santa Cruz, Kandla, Cochin, Surat. Step 4: Recognise that Santa Cruz is associated with a later Special Economic Zone and that Cochin and Surat do not match the textbook statement as Asia's first EPZ. Step 5: Choose Kandla as the correct location.

Verification / Alternative Check:
You can verify this by recalling that many exam preparation books explicitly state “Kandla in Gujarat is the site of Asia's first Export Processing Zone.” Additionally, government documents and economic histories often highlight Kandla EPZ as the earliest experiment with export-oriented zones in the Asian region. No similar claim is made for Santa Cruz, Cochin or Surat, which confirms that Kandla is the historically correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a (Santa Cruz) is related to a later electronics-focused Special Economic Zone near Mumbai and not recognised as Asia's first EPZ. Option c (Cochin) is a major port in Kerala but is not the site of this pioneering EPZ. Option d (Surat) is an important commercial centre in Gujarat known for textiles and diamonds, but again it does not hold the distinction mentioned in the question. These options function only as plausible distractions.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse different types of zones such as Free Trade Zones, Export Processing Zones and Special Economic Zones, or mix up their locations and dates. Another common error is assuming that a more widely known city like Mumbai or Cochin must host the oldest zone. To avoid mistakes, associate “Kandla” with “first EPZ in Asia” and treat Santa Cruz, Cochin and Surat as important but later developments.

Final Answer:
Asia's first Export Processing Zone was set up at Kandla.