Power shortage to end by April next: Ibad: ‘My Karachi’ opens
KARACHI, June 24: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan on Friday said that the electricity shortage issue would be resolved with the completion of HESCO Castling power generation project by April next year.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day trade fair “My Karachi — Oasis of Harmony”, organized by Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Karachi Expo Centre, the governor said that the Sindh government was striving hard to further improve the law and order situation as well as infrastructural facilities.
“As far as the question of infrastructure is concerned, both the federal and provincial governments are striving hard to improve it and at the same time reduce the cost of doing business”, he said.
He said that there would be tremendous growth in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and cottage industry in a year or so. He also mentioned that law and order situation had improved a lot and still efforts were afoot to improve it further.
He said that the Nooriabad Industrial Estate was deserted a couple of years ago, now it houses 61 industrial units, whereas the Gharo Industrial estate had only one unit and the number has gone to 70 now. He said it was evidence of improved infrastructural facilities and law and order situation.
The governor said that the improvement in hotel occupancy from 30-35 per cent to 100 per cent spoke much of the cordial environment and improved law and order situation in the city.
He said such exhibitions help introduce domestic and foreign goods in different markets and open new avenues for mutually beneficial business ties. He also referred various water supply projects that would help mitigate the ongoing water shortage in the city.
KCCI President Khalid Firoz in his welcome address said that the chamber was also preparing to hold Karachi-based exporters awards to encourage them. He said the exhibition would play an important role in increasing Pakistan’s trade ties within the region in general and with China in particular.
He added that all the exhibits from China were brought by road through Silk Route in five days. He said this route would be an additional charm being so cost-effective in boosting the two-way trade between Pakistan and China.
Consul General of China Sun Chun Ye said the trade ties between Pakistan and China were time tested and would further grow with the opening up of Silk Route.
He added the exhibition would prove to be mutually beneficial for all the countries of the region by opening new avenues of partnership, joint ventures and transfer of technologies.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh S.A. Shamim Ahmed and Ambassador of Indonesia Anwar Santoso also addressed the ceremony.
Talking to APP after the inaugural ceremony, Sri Lankan Consul General Manel De Silva said that Colombo was making hectic efforts to get back its lost tea market in the region, for which special focus had been placed on Pakistan.
She said that the exhibition would be instrumental in promoting the trade.—APP
