SIALKOT: Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has urged the government to include “Sialkot Export Processing Zone” (EPZ) in the list of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for the grand mega project of China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Talking to the newsmen here today, the SCCI President Majid Raza Bhutta said that the Sialkot Export Processing Zone (EPZ) could be a perfect choice for its inclusion in the plan of establishing SEZs for the CPE as well, besides, considering Sialkot EPZ location and future connectivity projects for Pakistan’s first ever Export Triangle comprising on Sialkot, Gujrat and Gujranwala districts and the adjoining areas including the Sialkot-Lahore Motorway.
SCCI President demanded the SEZs status for the Sialkot EPZ, saying that Sialkot EPZ should be included in the priority list of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for CPEC.
He also highly hailed the government’s sincere efforts and a comprehensive plan to attract investment, primarily in import substitution manufacturing in the areas of domestic advantage by identifying 09 priority areas for setting up of Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
He said that the initiative would serve to reduce external vulnerability and tackle the chronic balance of payments issue of Pakistan’s Economy.
SCCI President Majid Raza Bhutta revealed that the industry of Sialkot heavily relies on imports of raw materials especially from China for further value addition and re-export purposes as well.
He stressed that there is a need to establish support industry in Sialkot which could ultimately reduce Imports to serve as a source of raw materials for export industry.
SCCI President urged the Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ch. Ehsan Iqbal and Federal Minister for Commerce Engineer Khurram Dastgir to extend special consideration to the proposal of including Sialkot Export Processing Zone into the list of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to be established under CPEC in order to provide boost to the Export Industry of Sialkot.
He further stressed that Sialkot might not be neglected in the immensely important initiative to promote industry & exports
