A number of export promotion zones (EPZs) with an estimated cost of Rs 189.4 million are being set up across the province to exploit export potential of fruits and vegetables.
Provincial Agriculture Ministry sources told Business Recorder that during the first phase of the project seven export promotion zones, one each at Khairpur, Badin, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Naushero Feroze, Sakrand and Ghotki districts, were to be established, while one major export promotion zone with an estimated cost of Rs 65 million is being constructed in Karachi.
The sources said that the work is in progress and Wapda authorities have been approached for power supply.
The sources also said that during the second phase display centre and conference halls would be constructed and the plots would be allotted to interested parties for setting up cold storage, processing and grading plants and package industry.
Each export processing zone would carryout gradification to ensure that the exportable produce and quality should match the international standards.
The sources said that each zone has its own importance in exporting surplus produce of their respective area. For instance, Khairpur is famous for dates, Badin for tomatoes and Mirpurkhas for mangoes, which would be sent to Karachi.