ISLAMABAD: Industries & Production Minister Hammad Azhar said on Friday that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, was making all-out efforts for the country’s economic revival and in this regard, a comprehensive strategy is being chalked in consultation the stakeholders for the restoration of activities at Special Economic Zones (SEZs), especially Allama Iqbal Industrial City.
He expressed these views while talking to Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company (FIEDMC) Chairman Mian Kashif Ashfaq, said a press release issued on Friday.
Azhar noted that despite the huge challenge of debt, the prime minister preferred to provide relief to people who are suffering from lockdown restrictions imposed due to corona outbreak.
“The PTI government had introduced the biggest stimulus package in the history of the country to help the nation in this difficult time,” he asserted. “As one programme is insufficient to help all segments of the society, the government is now introducing multiple programmes to assist all sectors.”
The minister said the government was fully focused and committed to facilitating the people avert the ongoing crisis.
“The provision of medical facilities and food to the people is the topmost priority of the government and for this purpose, it will pursue the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to release their aid amounting to $600 million on different counts on a fast track basis,” he added.
Azhar said all the provinces and federation are on the same page in determining as to what essential industries be opened amid lockdown, adding the sectors that are providing raw materials and inputs to essential industries will also be kept open.
In addition, he said, the government will also ensure the transportation of labourers forces to these industries.
Speaking on the occasion, FIEDMC Chairman Mian Kashif Ashfaq expressed satisfaction over the performance of the present government and lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan for supporting the business community at this time of ordeal.
He said he is optimistic that as soon as international markets reopen after subduing coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan, especially its SEZs, including Allama Iqbal Industrial City, would stimulate the export base of Pakistan’s industries besides bringing billions of rupees foreign investment in the country.
He said currently FIEDMC is also facing hurdles in accomplishing its necessary tasks, completion of which is important in order to create economic activities and to help the country boost its exports.
“In fact, he informed, a whopping $2billion worth of export orders are yet to be materialised due to the viral outbreak.
“This SEZs are not only important because the Chinese are ready to invest in our country; but also because they will transfer their technology to us, increase our productivity and set up technical institutes,” he concluded.
