Governor says industrial growth key to jobs, economic stability in KP
PESHAWAR, Oct 19: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday said the province had vast potential for industrial development and stressed the need for a comprehensive and practical strategy to fully utilize available opportunities for creating employment and strengthening the provincial economy.
Chairing a meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (KP-EZDMC) at the Governor House, the Governor was briefed on the company's administrative structure, performance, achievements, future targets, economic zones, revenue generation and other related matters.
Advisor to the Governor on Industries Muhammad Irshad, Secretary Industries and other senior officials attended the meeting.
The meeting was informed that 15 economic zones were currently functional across the province, while plans were underway to establish seven more. It was further stated that the company had so far facilitated the creation of around 107,000 employment opportunities.
The Governor was also briefed on issues confronting various economic zones, including the Yaka Ghund Marble City, Katlang Economic Zone and other proposed industrial projects.
Governor Kundi said promotion of industries could generate thousands of employment opportunities for the people and play a vital role in ensuring sustainable economic growth. He emphasized encouraging private sector investment by providing a business-friendly environment and facilitating investors under the Ease of Doing Business policy.
He directed the authorities concerned to resolve functional issues of economic zones on a priority basis and asked them to consult the Finance Department regarding land acquisition and payment-related matters for new economic zone projects and present practical proposals.
The Governor also instructed officials to convene immediate meetings with relevant federal and provincial departments to address the issues facing economic zones, ensuring all stakeholders were taken into confidence for effective and practical solutions.
He said matters relating to federal departments should be taken up with the federal government for timely resolution and stressed the need to address security concerns, site selection and other administrative challenges affecting economic zones.
Governor Kundi said that some economic zones were located in areas facing law and order challenges and called for a comprehensive review to devise workable solutions so that industrial activities could be initiated there.
He further directed the authorities to expedite action for resolving financial issues and legal disputes, remove all obstacles affecting the functionality of economic zones and ensure early progress on pending matters.
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