KARACHI: The Sindh government plans to set up new industrial zones across the province, mainly in Karachi, under the new industrialization policy to attract local and foreign investors and traders to boost economic activities across the province.
Jam Ikramullah Dharejo, Minister for Industries and Commerce – Government of Sindh, said this while talking to the business community at the Federal Association of Trade and Industry in Area B (FBATI) on Tuesday.
He further said that industrial zones are being considered at various locations, including Port Qasim, to boost industrial activities and employment opportunities in the province and the commercial capital.
The provincial government also plans to allocate funds in the Annual Development Plan (ADP) to develop required infrastructure in seven industrial zones in Karachi aimed at facilitating existing industrialists in the province.
He said the provincial government under his ministry was working to introduce single window operations for industrialists to resolve their problems immediately. On the other hand, the provincial departments – Sindh Environment Protection Agency, Stamp Duty and EOBI – are geared towards facilitating industrialists rather than disrupting their business activities.
Jan further stated that the provincial government is in dialogue with the federal government to ensure the supply of natural gas and electricity to the people of the province and industry in accordance with constitutional rights.
The provincial minister further said that the government will introduce public-private partnerships to support the concept of setting up combined sewage treatment plants in industrial zones as per the requirements of exporting countries.
FBATI President Syed Raza Hussain said the provincial government should continue to work with industrialists through monthly meetings of the industrial liaison committee to meaningfully address the challenges of the industry.
He pointed out that industrial land is very limited in Karachi and hence new industrial units are not coming up despite the demand in various sectors. He further suggested that the government devise an affordable financing scheme for industrialists who own land in industrial zones but lack the capital to expand their operations.
FITE CEO Babar Khan has said on occasion that Chinese investors are interested in setting up industrial units in Karachi but are reluctant to invest due to the city’s lack of amenities, dilapidated infrastructure and security issues.
He pointed out that several companies in Sindh are considering shifting their operations to Punjab due to the availability of affordable land, ample water and necessary infrastructure.
There should be an industrial belt from the suburbs of Karachi to major cities of Sindh to cater to industrial activities across the province with availability of infrastructure and utilities for investors.
