Sindh plans new industrial zones

KARACHI: The Sindh government is planning to establish new industrial zones across the province, mainly in Karachi, under a new industrialisation policy to attract local and foreign investors and businessmen to boost up economic activities across the province, a statement said on Tuesday.

Jam Ikramullah Dharejo, provincial minister for Industries and commerce said industrial zones are being considered at various locations, including Port Qasim, to enhance industrial activities and employment opportunities in the province and commercial capital.

"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 aimed at facilitating the existing industrialists in the province," Dharejo told business community at the Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industries (FBATI).

He said the provincial government is working to introduce one-window operations for industrialists to resolve their issues immediately. On the other hand, provincial departments—Sindh Environmental Protection Agency, Stamp Duty and EOBI—are being directed to facilitate industrialists rather than interrupt their business activities.

Dharejo further stated that the provincial government is in dialogue with the federal government to ensure the supplies of natural gas and electricity to the province's residents and industries in accordance with the constitution's rights.

The provincial minister said the government will introduce a public-private partnership to promote the concept of setting up combined effluent plants in industrial zones as per requirement of exporting countries.