The Punjab government has evolved a strategy for the establishment of SME industrial estates in Punjab. Business Recorder learnt through reliable sources here on Saturday that under the plan, the SME industrial estates would be set up in major industrial towns, including Sialkot and work on the plan would be executed in near future.
The step was being taken for the redress of the problems being confronted by the SME sector, which is the backbone of the national economy of the country. All basic facilities would be ensured to the SMEs in these proposed SME estates, sources said.
Special focus was also being accorded on the development of industrial sector on modern and scientific lines aimed at tracking it modern production lines aimed at enhancing export volume and bringing industrial revolution by setting up large-scale industries, including agro-based industries in the province.
Under the programme, the provincial government has introduced certain schemes for the development of small and medium industries besides loan facilities was being extended to the small and medium businessmen enabling them to upgrade their industrial units for setting up new industrial projects in the Punjab.
More than Rs 1 billion had been set aside for diminish the financial problems being faced by the businessmen engaged with small and medium industries as well as for removing the hitches which were hindering the process of setting up of new industrial projects.
Apart from this, the government was also providing loan facilities for the advancement and expansion of agro-based industries and dairy development, engineering and information technology in the province.
The prime aim of setting up of large-scale industries was to ensure strong industrial base and keep the economic wheel moving in the province. The maximum establishment of industries will not only help in doubling the export volume, but also create wide job opportunities for the educated, skilled and unskilled labour, sources added.