Metro53 - LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain chaired a high-level meeting at the PSIC House to review matters related to the Export Processing Zone in Sialkot, establishment of a new industrial estate, and issues being faced by the industrial sector.
During the meeting, participants discussed various proposals regarding the colonisation and development of the Sialkot Export Processing Zone.
Officials attending the meeting included Managing Director Punjab Small Industries Corporation, representatives of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry including Dr Aslam Dar and Rana Asghar, as well as the Director of PSIC. President of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce Syed Ehtesham Mazhar and the regional director of PSIC joined the session through video link.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Hussain said the Punjab government had accelerated the pace of industrialisation in the province, laying the foundation for what he described as an “industrial revolution”.
He stated that many new factories had been established in Punjab’s industrial hubs during the past two and a half years, creating employment opportunities for local residents while enabling industrialists to expand their businesses.
The provincial minister noted that the existing industrial estate in Sialkot had reached full occupancy, making the establishment of a new industrial estate essential to meet growing industrial demand.
He said barren land for the proposed industrial estate would soon be identified and added that a dedicated “Surgical City” was also planned for Sialkot.
Mr Hussain further said the issue of settlement and development in the Export Processing Zone would be resolved soon through mutual consultation with stakeholders.
He emphasised that Sialkot’s industrial sector played a vital role in the national economy and assured that industrial issues would be addressed on a priority basis.
Representatives of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce also briefed the meeting on the importance and necessity of establishing a new industrial estate in the city.
