Ahmed Khan Malik

The business community in the upper regions of Sindh has urged the provincial government to expedite the development of the Khairpur Special Economic Zone (KSEZ) to harness its immense economic potential, particularly in agro-based industries.

KSEZ is being developed on 140 acres in Khairpur as a future hub for agro-processing and related industries, strategically positioned near date-growing areas, transportation links, and access to labor. The zone offers significant advantages, including state-of-the-art infrastructure, uninterrupted electricity supply, natural gas for industrial use, and water access directly at the doorstep of each enterprise. Naveed Shah, a business leader in Sukkur, told WealthPK that KSEZ is ideal for establishing date-processing and packaging plants, enabling the export of various date varieties to international markets as high-value-added products.

He noted that the zone also has the capacity to accommodate allied industries, making it a well-organized cluster of industrial activity. “With state-of-the-art infrastructure, easy access to labor and training facilities, and quality logistics services, the zone is an ideal location for enterprises to grow and thrive,” he said. However, Shah expressed concern over the slow pace of development work, which he believes is discouraging businesses in the region. He urged the provincial government to accelerate progress to promote industrialization in the upper parts of Sindh.

Ahmed Siddiqui, Secretary of the Ghotki Small Industries Association, highlighted that KSEZ has been designed to support industries such as date dehydration, fruit and vegetable processing (pulp, nectar, juices, pickles), dairy processing, seed processing, composite and organic fertilizers, medical herb processing, chipboard manufacturing, cotton ginning, farm equipment, packaging, and electric water motor and fan production.

Zaulfiqar Rajpar, Director of the Sindh Investment Board, emphasized that the principal objective of Pakistan's agro-industrial sector is to reform policies that enhance productivity across various economic sectors. This involves leveraging locally available raw materials, developing skilled manpower, and addressing industrial development needs with active community participation. Rajpar explained that KSEZ is designed to drive socio-economic transformation in Khairpur district and the surrounding region.

The value-added industrial processing facilitated by KSEZ is expected to significantly impact the agricultural sector by reducing wastage, increasing profits, and boosting exports. He acknowledged that the development work has not progressed as swiftly as it should and assured that provincial departments are actively working to promote industrialization. Efforts will be made to complete the project as soon as possible, he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk