The Federal government has decided to declare Sialkot Export Processing Zone (SEPZ) as a model zone of the country and a formal announcement in this regard is expected shortly, said Ashraf Wala, general manager Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA).
Talking to Business Recorder at Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here on Thursday afternoon he said that the step was being taken because Sialkot is the only export-oriented city of the country where development of local cottage industries has assumed a model status for other industrial towns of the country.
Keeping in view the unique export culture of this city the government has decided to declare SEPZ as a model zone of the country with the concept of accelerating the export activities in the area, he added.
Ashraf Wala disclosed that the SEPZ has been developed over 238 acres of land where 881 plots of different categories have been developed and allotted to the applicants. Basic facilities like telecommunication, roads, water, sewerage and Sui gas and electricity have been provided in the export processing zone.
The general manager EPZA disclosed that 280 projects have been approved for Sialkot Export Processing Zone.
He opined that Sialkot export zone would be a successful project because Sialkot International Airport and Dry Port are located on the same track as well as conversation of Sialkot-Wazirabad road into dual carriage way would also play an instrumental role in accelerating the export activities.
In order to further accelerate the pace of export activities more export processing zones are being established at Lahore, Faisalabad, Pasni, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Multan and Mirpur in Azad Kashmir, he disclosed. Wala said that work on these proposed zones would be
Started soon and the accomplishment of these proposed zones would play a pivotal role in developing these areas.
The GM EPZA said that strenuous efforts were being made for motivating the foreign and overseas Pakistani investors to invest in Sialkot Export Processing Zone. He held out an assurance that the incentives and concessions defined for EPZs are protected and nothing has been withdrawn adding that the misconception would be eradicated soon. "In this regard, chairperson EPZA will visit Sialkot shortly," he added.