HUB, Aug 17: The Export Processing Zones Authority is planing to set up six EPZs in Hub, Gadani, Turbat, Pasni, Gwadar and Quetta to tap the resources available in the areas.

Talking to Dawn after a seminar on “Benefits of Establishing Export Processing Zones in Balochistan” held at LIEDA guest house recently, General Manager EPZA (Projects), Mohammed Ashraf Wahla said the authority aimed to explore the minerals of the country particularly of Balochistan through an organized manner.

The seminar was organized in collaboration with Lasbela Industrial Estate Development Authority, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority and EPZA and conducted by Mohammed Ali Qazi of Smeda and Shafeeq Qasimi of LIEDA.

The GM, EPZA, said sectors like minerals, fisheries and horticulture of Balochistan had enough potential to be exploited.

He said after having a thorough consideration on all its aspect and final approval from the federal government these zones would be declared EPZs soon.

Addressing the seminar Chairman EPZA Col. (r) Akbar highlighting the salient features of the authority said the investors while establishing units within the premises of EPZ, may have sales tax waiver on input goods including duty free imports of machinery equipment and material.

He said the investment in EPZ would require no minimum or maximum limit with 100 per cent ownership rights and 100 per cent repatriation of profit. The incentives include infrastructure, water, gas, telephone and all other basic facilities.

EPZA chairman pointed out that after the completion of coastal highway project the economy of Balochistan will get boost improving the lot of the local people.

He asked the investors to come forward and enjoy the facilities being provided by the authority so that the economy and exports of the country could be improved.

General manager Smeda, Mohammed Iqbal Qidwai, addressing on the occasion said the authority aimed to facilitate small and medium enterprises through providing them more than 150 feasibility reports enabling them to chose a better sector for them.

He said the authority has focussed to promote four sectors of the province including minerals, fisheries, horticulture and shrimp farming so that people engaged in these sectors could be facilitated through Smeda.

He said the authority is also planning to facilitate the people in apple treatment and onion treatment plant, cut flower and dry milk plant sectors.

Managing Director LIEDA, Col (r) Basheer Nadeem said he aimed to revive sick and closed unit established in the premises of the authority and assured that those interested for investment in LIEDA would be provided all facilities.

He said more than 20 sick units have resumed production and expressed his hope that more would also start functioning soon.