Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain has said that industrialists are playing a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth, stressing that the government is prioritising the resolution of their genuine concerns.
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Speaking during a visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Saturday, the minister formally announced the establishment of a new industrial estate near the Rawalpindi Ring Road. He assured the business community that their issues would be addressed as one of the government’s top priorities.
The meeting, attended by RCCI President Usman Shaukat, Group Leader Sohail Altaf and numerous industrialists, featured an open discussion on challenges facing the sector. Participants widely appreciated the minister’s engagement and the government’s responsiveness.
Chaudhry Shafay Hussain highlighted that the process of industrialisation in Punjab has accelerated significantly under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. For the first time, industrial units are being established in the Bahawalpur Industrial Estate, while construction of ten new factories has begun at the Quaid-e-Azam Business Park in Sheikhupura.
He added that a dedicated Garment City is also being developed in the business park to promote growth in the textile sector. The minister noted that several new industrial estates are being established across Punjab to provide expanded investment opportunities under Special Economic Zones (SEZs), urging businessmen to take full advantage of the available incentives.
He further stated that the Punjab Chief Minister has approved a major programme to upgrade infrastructure in small industrial estates, which will begin next month. “The Chief Minister will soon meet representatives of all chambers of commerce and industry across the province,” he said.
The minister disclosed that industrial plots that were allotted but left undeveloped in violation of policy were now being permanently cancelled. He criticised previous governments for neglecting industrial infrastructure, saying the current administration has undertaken substantial reforms that have encouraged local and foreign investors to prioritise Punjab.
Revealing upcoming developments, he said manufacturing of Vivo mobile phones is expected to begin in Punjab within six months, while lithium battery production plants will also be set up in the province.
During the visit, he ordered immediate improvements to the link road leading to Rawat Industrial Estate. Industrialists presented a number of recommendations to further accelerate the pace of industrial growth.
