RECORDER REPORT
LAHORE: Performing the groundbreaking of Allama Iqbal Industrial City of Faisalabad being established under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday said poverty alleviation is only possible by doing away with the anti-investor mindset and promoting wealth creation through industrialization.
This project is expected to create around 300,000 jobs and attract Rs 400 billion investment in automobiles, value added textiles, engineering, pharmaceuticals, food processing, chemicals, construction materials, FGCG and packaging sectors. Not only will it contribute to the GDP and increase exports, it will also encourage the import substitution.
During the day-long visit here, the Prime Minister performed groundbreaking of the gigantic project before unveiling a plaque where he planted a sapling as part of his ‘10 billion tree Tsunami’.
In total, nine Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been planned under CPEC Industrial Cooperation Framework. Out of these, three have been declared as prioritized special economic zones by the governments of Pakistan and China, including Allama Iqbal Industrial City of Faisalabad, Rashakai SEZ in KPK and Dhabajee SEZ in Sindh. Under CPEC industrial cooperation, the government of Pakistan expects a huge industrial relocation.
Federal Planning Minister Asad Umar, Adviser to PM on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood, Chief Minister of Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar and provincial ministers were also present on the occasion.
Strategically located on Motorway M4 at Sahianwala Interchange, Allama Iqbal Industrial City of Faisalabad is the first prioritized special economic zone in Pakistan. The first phase of the project would be completed by 2021.
It may be added that M-3 Industrial City SEZ of Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company is the success story, which has attracted foreign direct investments from China, Turkey, Korea, Europe and Japan.
Addressing the ceremony, the PM termed the establishment of first SEZ in Punjab, a giant leap towards the accomplishment of his government’s vision to alleviate poverty through industrialization. This would beget job opportunities for the youth who would also be skill-trained to cope with the future needs. He said the industrialization was inevitable as agriculture sector could not suffice the youth’s job needs.
The PM maintained that industrialization should follow the special focus on enhancement of exports, agricultural productivity and promotion of tourism to truly exploit the existing potential.
He called for a special focus on technical education to skill-train the youth to enhance their productivity and value addition. Felicitating the Punjab government and allied federal and provincial departments for expediting the work on special economic zone, the PM said: “China is taking keen interest in Pakistan, and like Vietnam, Pakistan should create a conducive atmosphere to attract the Chinese industry looking for relocation.”
Imran said that the Chinese companies are not only ready to invest in Pakistan but also willing to transfer technology to enhance productivity by establishing technical training institutes in the country. He also asked the Punjab government to expedite working on other SEZs planned in the province.
The Prime Minister lauded the performance of the new administrative machinery in Punjab and said the bureaucracy had been left with no excuse to perform after the federal government had amended the NAB ordinance.
The PM also spoke high of the Punjab Chief Minister for being available to the people and leading a simple life that is also expected from any political leader of the country bearing the burden of foreign debts.
Earlier, Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar said the Punjab government has allocated Rs 5 billion for the industrial city to be established over 3,217 acres. Spanned over a stretch of around 22 kilometers, the city would also house a police station, labour colony, TEVTA Institute and a hospital which are nearing completion.
He said the Punjab government has planned 10 SEZs in the province. Six of those projects have already been approved by the federal government and the rest are in the pipeline. He said the Punjab government had also given Rs 1.5 billion to Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) to train around 150,000 people and the number will be increased to one million. Besides, the provincial government has also allocated Rs 6 billion to provide loans to youth, he added.
PM Imran Khan also inaugurated a ‘Panahgah’ (shelter home) at General Bus Stand here on Friday. He unveiled the plaque and cut a ribbon at Panahgah constructed by the Madina Group of Industries.
The PM took round of the Panahgah and met people sheltered there. He also inquired about the facilities being provided to them. The PM also had meal with the people/passengers in the dining hall of Panahgah. It has been established over 4 kanals and 3 marlas of land at a cost of Rs35 million in six months. The Panahgah can host 700 people, though currently only 400 beds are available there. The Panahgah consists of three halls (one each for male, females and transgenders), two prayer halls, two dining halls, 18 washrooms (11 for males and 7 for females), a kitchen/store room for food, manager office, security offices for male and females.
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan was briefed by Mian Muhammad Hanif, chairman Madina Group of Industries, about the project, its cost and accommodation facilities. The premier was also briefed about the steps taken by the district administration in collaboration with the University of Faisalabad (TUF) for delivering fresh vegetables to the public at government fixed rates through mobile App by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the district administration and Madina Group of Industries on the occasion.
