KARACHI:
Sindh Industries and Commerce Minister Jam Ikramullah Dharejo has announced that the Sindh government is planning to set up new industrial zones across the province, mainly in Karachi, as part of a new industrialization policy.
The aim is to attract both local and foreign investors and entrepreneurs to boost economic activities throughout the province.
He made these remarks while addressing the business community at the Federal Association of Trade and Industry (FBATI) on Tuesday. Dharejo stressed that industrial zones are being considered at various locations, including the Port Qasim area, to boost industrial activities and employment opportunities in the province and its commercial capital.
In addition, the provincial government plans to allocate funds in the Annual Development Plan (ADP) to develop the required infrastructure in the seven industrial zones in Karachi, aimed at facilitating the existing industrialists in the province.
Moreover, Dharejo said that his ministry is working to introduce single-window operations for industrialists to resolve their problems in time. Instead, provincial departments like Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Stamp Duty and Employees’ Old Age Benefit Institutions (EOBI) are directed to facilitate industrialists rather than disrupt their business activities.
The minister said that the provincial government is in discussions with the federal government to ensure the supply of natural gas and electricity to the people and industries of the province in accordance with the constitutional rights.
He also said that the government plans to introduce a public-private partnership to promote the installation of combined waste plants in industrial zones, as per the requirements of exporting countries.
FBATI President Syed Raza Hussain emphasized that the provincial government should maintain collaboration with the industrialists through monthly meetings of the industry liaison committee to effectively address the challenges of the industry.
He noted the limited availability of industrial land in Karachi, which has hindered the establishment of new industrial units despite demand in various sectors. He suggested that the government should come up with an economic financing scheme for industrialists who own land in industrial zones but lack the capital to expand their operations.
FBATI FITE Development and Management Company CEO Babar Khan highlighted that Chinese investors are interested in setting up industrial units in Karachi but are hesitant due to the city’s inadequate facilities, infrastructure degradation and security issues. He also noted that several companies in Sindh are considering relocating their operations to Punjab, attracted by the availability of affordable land, abundant water resources and necessary infrastructure.
Khan proposed the creation of an industrial zone stretching from the outskirts of Karachi to the major cities of Sindh to accommodate industrial activities across the province, providing the necessary infrastructure and utilities for investors.
Reacting to the minister’s plans and policies, eminent industrialist and former president of the Site Association of Industry (SAI), Riazuddin, expressed his concern to The Express Tribune about the state of the country’s largest industrial zone, SAI.
He highlighted the deterioration of the road infrastructure and the lack of proper facilities despite its significant economic contribution. Riazuddin urged the government to prioritize the development of five unsupervised industrial zones in Sindh, including Dabeji, Site-3 and Larkana, which have seen little progress since their inception.
Regarding the functions of a single window for industries, Riazuddin referred to World Bank and United Nations guidelines aimed at facilitating business in Sindh. He pointed out the need to implement these guidelines to streamline procedures and provide financial assistance to businesses.
He further mentioned a project commissioned by Sindh Investment Department from the World Bank, Competitive and Sustainable City of Karachi (CLICK), which is stalled despite its preparation in December 2022.
He urged the authorities to immediately allocate funds for the renovation of the dilapidated infrastructure of all the seven industrial zones in Karachi without further delay.
a href=”https://tribune.com.pk/story/2466636/minister-unveils-sindhs-industrial-expansion-plan”>Source link
