KARACHI: Industrial production in Sindh increased by 20.5 percent in the financial year 2020-21 as compared to the previous year, show the latest figures on the industrial production in the province.

The overall production in the last month of fiscal 2020-21, June, increased by 43.7 percent, compared to corresponding month of a year ago.

It may be noted that last year’s production was down significantly due to complete lockdown in the province during the same period except food-related industries.

The production in June of last fiscal was also up by 21 percent compared to the preceding month of May 021.

The figures on industrial production and employment compiled by the Sindh Bureau of Statistics show that employment in the month of June was the same as compared to the month of May of the year under review. However it was up by 12.3 percent in the month of June as compared to June of 2020.

Average monthly employment during the whole financial year was lower by 1.2 percent as compared to the previous fiscal.

Sindh Bureau of Statistics has been conducting a monthly survey of industrial production and employment (MIPE). This survey report includes 61 items manufactured in 22 large-scale industrial sectors by 537 establishments/ factories in Sindh.

The role of Sindh province in large-scale manufacturing is vital, as Karachi is the largest city of Pakistan. According to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) it produces 15% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Sindh Business Register (SBR), 2017 established by Sindh Bureau of Statistics, Planning & Development Department shows that 67% of establishments/factories are located in Karachi Division and remaining 33% are located in other districts of Sindh.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021