LAHORE: The government is focusing to the industrial development and has established 13 special economic zones.
Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar expressed these words whole on Monday inaugurating state-of-the-art One Window Smart Services at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
LCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar, Vice President Mian Zahid Jawaid Ahmad, Provincial Minister for Industries, Commerce & Investment Mian Aslam Iqbal, President FPCCI Mian Anjum Nisar, former Presidents Muhammad Ali Mian, Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry, Sohail Lashari, Malik Tahir Javed and Executive Committee Members were present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said that government is focusing to the industrial development and has established 13 special economic zones in the province within a short span of two years. He said that previous rulers only established three special economic zones during 70 years since the establishment of Pakistan.
He added that new city along with Ravi River is a revolutionary project that would generate employment opportunities for hundreds thousands persons. He said that this project would prove to be a game changer in order to set the wheel of economy rolling. He said that the industrial reforms of Punjab government would pave the way for the economic revival in the COVID-19 perspective. “Results of smart lockdown were marvelous”, he added.
The Chief Minister said that idea of model police is being promoted. Approval for 10 thousands constables’ recruitment has been given while 575 latest vehicles have been handed over to the police department.
Usman Buzdar admitted that agriculture sector should be built on modern lines. He said that special attention is being given to the agricultural research.
He appreciated the Lahore Chamber on establishing state of the art one window smart services under one roof. He said that LCCI is the only chamber of the country that has set a milestone and an example to follow for others. He also acknowledged that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry was the first that contributed in CM Corona Fund.
He said that there Chambers of commerce contribute a lot in the provincial development there must be close liaison between chambers and the government.
LCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh said that present regime has taken various good decisions at difficult times. He said that 13 Special economic zones to be set up on 10000 acres in Punjab would help boost economy. He said that at present there are Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate and Sundar Industrial Estate only two in Lahore where there is no scope for setting up new industries.
He demanded that all other industrial units already established in Lahore including Ferozepur Road, Shahdara Road, Multan Road, Raiwind Road, Band Road, Kasur Road and Katarband Road etc. should also be regularized without any penalty. He said that businesses often face delays in approving new building plans. Punjab Government should immediately issue directions to the Lahore Development Authority for approval of construction projects for new buildings of Export Oriented Units.
He said that representation of LCCI should be ensured district administration committees for timely resolution of issues related to administration. He said that the Punjab government should set up testing laboratories providing certification for halal food, especially from its provincial budget. It should also launch new schemes for financing startups for young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas on easy terms.
He said that monthly water tariff for trade and industrial use in Lahore is 1 lac per cusec, which is highest in the province. It should be revised. He also asked to the Chief Minister Punjab to resolve the issues regarding installation of water treatment plants for Industrial units.
LCCI Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar said that the provincial government should focus on research and development in agriculture sector as country is far behind in this sector from other neighboring countries. There should be representation of private sector associations in government departments and policy making.
