RAWALPINDI, Nov 29 (APP): Punjab Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain has said that industrialists were playing a pivotal role in the economic development of the country’s economy and their genuine issues were being resolved on a priority basis. He also made a formal announcement to establish a new industrial estate near Rawalpindi Ring Road. The minister further assured that issues facing the traders and business community would be addressed as government’s top priority.
He said this during his visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Saturday, where he held a detailed meeting with RCCI President Usman Shaukat, Group Leader Sohail Altaf, and a large number of industrialists. The meeting featured an open discussion on challenges being faced by the industrial sector, which received big appreciation from the meeting participants.
The minister said that, in line with the vision of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the process of industrialization in the province has been significantly accelerated. For the first time, industrial units are being set up in Bahawalpur Industrial Estate, while construction of 10 new factories has already begun in Quaid-e-Azam Business Park, Sheikhupura. He highlighted that on the CM’s directions, a Garment City was also being established in Quaid-e-Azam Business Park to promote the textile sector.
He added that several new industrial estates are being developed across Punjab to further provide vast investment opportunities in the available in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). He urged businessmen to fully avail the incentives and facilities being offered in these zones.
Chaudhry Shafay Hussain revealed that the Punjab Chief Minister has approved a major program for the improvement of infrastructure in small industrial estates, which will commence next month.
“The Chief Minister will soon hold meetings with representatives of all chambers of commerce and industry across the province”, he informed.
The minister said that plots in industrial estates that were allotted but on which industrial units were not established as per policy, were being permanently cancelled. He criticized previous governments for doing nothing to improve industrial infrastructure, whereas the current government has undertaken remarkable work in this regard. As a result, both local and foreign investors are now giving preference to Punjab for investment.
He further revealed that within the next six months, manufacturing of Vivo mobile phones would start in Punjab, and lithium battery manufacturing plants would also be established in the province.
During the visit, the minister directed immediate improvement of the link road to Rawat Industrial Estate. Industrialists presented valuable suggestions to further accelerate the industrialization process.
Chairman PEDMIC Javed Iqbal, Dr. Muhammad Amjad, Chaudhry Umar Bashir and a large number of industrialists and businessmen were present on the occasion .