Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has directed the authorities concerned for immediate publicity of Hattar Darband Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Mohmand Marble City. He issued these directives, presiding over a progress review meeting of the Industries department. Those attended the meeting included: finance minister Taimur Jhagra, minister C&W Akber Ayub, principal secretary to the CM Shahab Ali Shah, secretary Industries, focal person BOIT, vice chairman BOIT, CEO BOIT, CEO KP-EZDMC and other officials.
The CM said that the incumbent KP government was committed to attract investors into the province and generate revenue by promoting economic activity. He further directed KP-EZDMC to involve investors and work out modalities on priority basis for transfer of land to Swat Industrial Zone which would help in internationalisation of the local industries, including garments.
The Chief Minister was informed that different investors have evinced keen interest in conducting the feasibility study of circular railway project connecting major cities of the province. He was also apprised that MoUs for the feasibility study would be signed shortly. Secretary Industries briefed the meeting on the key achievements of the department during the past one year. He said that the department remained successful in signing of joint venture and concession agreements of Rashakai SEZ in addition to establishment of 28 new industrial units in the existing industrial zones which had generated 2450 new employments.
The KP-EZDMC has also succeeded in reviving 67 closed industrial units that restored 490 employments. The meeting was informed that during the previous financial year, KPEZDMC remained successful in conducting the feasibility study of Swat Industrial Zone and Buner Marble Study. The department has also completed bifurcation of Mix-8 Feeders resolving the tripping issues and adding an additional 5MW capacity for new connections in Gadoon Industrial Zone.
Additionally, the department has also completed installation of 11kv/3MW independent feeder at D.I Khan, energisation of grid station of Mohmand SEZ and energisation of independent electric feeders to SIE Kohat. Similarly, steps have also been taken for promoting ease of doing business under which online customer facilitation system for all industrial zones have been established. Transparent and streamlined customer facilitation ie. NOCs, transfers, etc, have also been ensured.
As for the private sector employment, the department has been successful in creation of 1250 direct and indirect jobs in 25 industrial units, recruitment of 360 staff in TEVTA and engagement of 100 young technical graduates in NayaTel by the Board of Investment.