Ahmed Khan Malik
The Sindh government plans to establish new industrial zones in the province to boost industrialization and create jobs. “We have planned to establish new industrial zones to attract local and foreign investments and generate employment opportunities,” Jam Ikramullah Dharejo, Sindh Industries Minister, said. Talking to WealthPK, during a visit to the office of the traders’ association here, he said that industrialization in the province is a top priority of the government and special focus has been being paid to this sector. He said that as Sindh is the largest province in terms of urban population, the industrialization is necessary to cater to the needs of a growing population for employment. He said that industrial zones are being considered at various locations, including Port Qasim, to enhance industrial activities and employment opportunities in the province. “Apart from the new industrial zones, the provincial government has also embarked upon the plans to facilitate the existing industries in the province, and has taken various initiatives recently and would be introducing more in the budget next month.”
The industries minister pointed out that a one-stop solution plan for resolving the problems of industrialists in the SITE area would be implemented soon. He said the government has improved infrastructure in industrial zones and it would take up the issue of power and gas outages with the federal government. The minister disclosed that the provincial government is also planning to allocate funds in the Annual Development Plan (ADP) to develop the required infrastructure across the seven industrial zones in Karachi. Industry representatives have hailed the provincial government’s plan to improve the infrastructure in the existing industrial areas and set up new zones. “The new economic zones in the province would not only help the government promote industrialization but would also go a long way in creating jobs for youth,” said Mansoor Khan, a business leader in North Karachi Industrial Area.
Sindh offers attractive business and investment opportunities, and its competitive advantage rests on its strategic location. The existence of major seaports, extensive industrial infrastructure, 350-kilometer-long coastline and the prospects to generate renewable energy are just a few of the characteristics that make the province an ideal place for investment. In addition, the province is host to abundant fertile land, plenty of agricultural, natural and mineral resources, an improving educational system, a young and burgeoning workforce, and a politically strong and stable government. All these elements have given the impetus and incentive for some of the world's leading multinational corporations to set up a base in Sindh. Karachi, being the financial and commercial capital of Pakistan, is a major port and the country's largest metropolis. It contributes the largest share to Pakistan's revenue collection.
Credit: INP-WealthPk