KARACHI, March 20: Industrial activities in the province were reviewed at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad at Governor’s House here on Monday.

It was informed in the meeting that besides establishment of new units, existing units in production were also keen for their further expansion and 35 per cent such units in SITE were implementing expansion plans while many units were expanding horizentally because of space constraints.

Sindh minister for industries Mohammed Adil Siddiqi and Secretary of Industries Nasar Hayat briefed the meeting about details.

They appreciated the efforts of governor Dr Ishratul Ibad for industrial development and investment promotion in the province.

The governor said that the objective of all these government efforts has been to enhance sources of employment, alleviate poverty and improve the living conditions of common man under a multi-pronged strategy.

He said continuity of President Pervez Musharraf’s reforms programmes and policies is being ensured and it was producing positive results.

He pointed out that a better law and order situation was very important for industrial progress and investment promotion. He said that situation had been improved through coordinated and persistent efforts during the last few years as a result of which a positive image of Karachi has emerged and local and foreign experts have been attracted.

The governor said that in the past, investors used to think of winding up their business, but today the situation is contrary.

Besides simplifying the rules and regulations, improvement of infrastructure, efforts have been made to bring cost of doing business at par with other areas of the region.

Governor Ishratul Ibad Khan said after completion of ongoing development projects, Karachi would join the rank of modern and beautiful cities during the next two to three years.

He issued directives to concerned authorities for meeting the requirements of water, electricity, gas etc., of industries on a priority basis.

He asked the provincial committee on investment to devise a system on more functional and modern lines so as to attract international investors. He called for early completion of ongoing projects for small and medium enterprises and cottage industry, besides provision of walk-in facilities to small industrialists and craftsmen.

The governor said plots were being provided for industrial purposes on 75 per cent concession rates.

He said full attention be paid to agriculture-based industries as well as fishing, livestock and dairy sectors and asked the Investment Committee to signify its website.

The secretary of industries informed the meeting that at present there were 10 industrial estates in the province under SITE and for the first time in its history, the Sindh Government gave a grant of Rs 500 million for upgradation of SITE Karachi and improvement of its infrastructure.

He said work is in progress on roads, street-lights and improvement of drainage system in the SITE while coordinated work is going on in Nooriabad, Hyderabad, Kotri, Nawabshah and Sukkur industrial areas where all plots have been allotted.—APP