The Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) and Export Processing Zones Authority (Epza) are developing an export processing zone jointly in Gujranwala with the cost of Rs 118 million. Official sources told Business Recorder here on Wednesday that Gujranwala Export Processing Zone was being developed on 113 acres of land on GT road, three- km from Gujranwala. The export-processing zone having 221 plots of four different categories would be ready in June this year as the process of allotment of plots had already been completed, the sources said.
They also said that the project to set up export processing zones at Gujrat and Multan was also in pipeline.
In Gujranwala, the main industries are ceramic, auto gas kits, cutlery, melamine utensils, electrical products, washing machines, room air coolers, silk and velvet products and textile products, sanitary ware and plastic products etc.
Facilities like roads, water supply, electricity, wastewater and collection and disposal, industrial waste drains and utility building are being provided in Gujranwala Export Processing Zone.
The Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) would also provide developed plots for the establishment of banks, post offices, telephone exchange, mosque and dispensary in the Gujranwala Export Processing Zone, the sources said.
Gujranwala has plenty of industrial potential and the business community had established different projects and playing an instrumental role in strengthening the national economy and providing employment opportunities to the skilled and unskilled workers of Gujranwala and its adjoining areas.
Despite the rapid industrial growth in Gujranwala, unfortunately a large number of small industrial units are still functioning in thickly populated and residential areas, creating serious environmental problems for the dwellers.
The Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is making hectic efforts for developing the "Export Culture" in Gujranwala aimed at further enhancing the export activities for increasing the volume of export.
In addition to this, the GCCI had penetrated its special attention on motivating the business community to shift their industrial units from the residential localities to facilitate the masses, the sources added.
Apart from this, the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is also making strenuous efforts for making Gujranwala Export Processing Zone a successful project.
The functioning of Gujranwala Export Processing Zone will plan a pivotal role in the industrial development as well as open new era of prosperity and development.