27 February 2004	Friday	06 Muharram 1425

KARACHI, Feb 26: The idea of establishing a 'garment city' in the metropolis is under active consideration. A proposal to set up such a centre near Port Qasim on the National Highway has already been deliberated upon at provincial level.

The proposed project is aimed at boosting garments exports by providing all essential facilities, like factories, display centres, outlets, etc., to the manufacturers and exporters. It would not only help make available a full range of garments at the centre, but also generate employment opportunities.

The provincial government, at a high-level meeting on Thursday, decided to refer the proposal to the federal ministry of industries before making any progress in this regard. Chief Secretary Dr Mutawakkil Kazi chaired the meeting.

The meeting stressed the need for chalking out an effective strategy to give a boost to economy, trade and industry in the province. Mr Kazi said that a strategy should also be worked out to ensure better coordination among the department of industry, Export Processing Zone Authority and Export Promotion Bureau.

He called for the setting up of 'agriculture input centres' in Karachi as well as other districts where basic infrastructure, including sewerage lines, water supply system and solid waste disposal facility, should be ensured.

Secretary Agriculture Sabhago Khan Jatoi and Secretary Industry Raja Mohammad Abbas offered all possible assistance from their departments in facilitating the plans for strengthening the economy and putting the province on road to prosperity.

Meanwhile, DCO Mir Hussain Ali has been appointed Secretary of a Steering Committee and Administrative Department of Tameer-i-Karachi Programme.