HUB, Jan 30: The Balochistan government has decided to set up three export processing zones (EPZs) with the help of the federal government by the end of this year.

The provincial minister for industries, Mohammad Ali Jogezai, said this, while talking to newsmen at the LIEDA Rest House, Hub, during his visit to Lasbela on Wednesday.

Export processing zones would be set up one each in Gadani, Gwadar and Quetta, he said and added that investors, either from upcountry or overseas, would be welcomed to invest in the proposed zones.

The minister said the government wanted to provide incentives and facilities to industrialists at their doorsteps so that sick and closed units could be revived and people could get jobs.

He welcomed investment in fruit and date processing units in Lasbela and Quetta, and assured the investors of his full cooperation. On their arrival, they would be provided with a friendly and peaceful atmosphere and the required infrastructure, he said.

Replying to a question, he said about 17 sick and closed units had resumed functioning last year and 10 more units were about to start functioning.

Mr Jogezai said he and the provincial secretary for industries would visit the LIEDA every month to solve the problems of the industrialists and the workers.

He said the provision of gas to Winder Industrial Trading Estate and Gadani Industrial Area was under consideration and the issue would be given priority.

The minister told the newsmen that the Balochistan governor had promised to discuss with President Pervez Musharraf the issue of the provision of electricity to the LIEDA units by Wapda instead of the KESC.

LIEDA Managing-Director Basheer Nadeem briefed the minister about the progress of the authority and sought his cooperation for the revival of the sick and closed units.