Underlining the importance of advancement in the industrial sector for development and prosperity, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Friday that the government is focusing on development of skills, strengthening of infrastructure, value addition, better productivity and competitiveness in the industrial sector for enhancing jobs and income generation opportunities.
Chairing a meeting to review the goals and targets of the ministry of industries, production and special initiatives here at the PM House on Friday evening, the Prime Minister said industrial sector remains the engine for development and the government is facilitating the private sector to fully tap industrial potential of the country.
The Prime Minister asked the ministry to focus on development of SMEs, engineering sector, setting up of export processing zones, finalisation of industrial policy, auto policy and industrial statistics.
He asked the ministry of industries and production to take industry specific initiatives and focus on horticulture, home appliances, sports & surgical goods and furniture industry.
The Prime Minister appreciated the launching of pilot projects in textile, silver, jewellery, ceramics and blue pottery under "one village one product programme" to augment incomes and job creation in the rural areas and remote parts of the country. "The objective is to increase non-farm income, reduce poverty and improve the living standard of the people in the rural areas", the Prime Minister added.
He said to make the programme a success, as the government is providing skills training and marketing facilities to the workers of rural areas. He said the programme would be extended to all parts of the country.
The Prime Minister emphasised that industrial strategy should be finalised soon as it will give a sense of direction and confidence to investors. He asked the ministry to finalise the auto policy.
The Prime Minister was informed that both the policies are under preparation and will be finalised by October this year.
The Prime Minister also asked the ministry to work with federal bureau of statistics to improve industrial statistics.
The Prime Minister said that government is following its privatisation policy and some more industrial units will be offered for privatisation. He said the privatisation of Pakistan Steel Mills would be carried out in the light of Supreme Court's judgement.
Minister for Industries and Production, Jehangir Khan Tareen informed the Prime Minister about the major achievements of the ministry. He mentioned merger of old state owned enterprises, reconstitution of their board of directors and creation of new companies, approval of strategies for marble & granite, gems & jewellery and dairy sectors. He said 21 sick units have been revived at Karachi export processing zone (EPZ).
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