QUETTA: The European Union’s Rule of Law experts have said that Balochistan is the land of opportunities and for development and progress, the province must move beyond trading and start manufacturing goods.

Speaking to officials and members of Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) on Tuesday, Waqarun Nisa Hashmi and Syed Jalal Hussain and other EU experts said that the traders’ body is playing a significant role in resolving various disputes of investors and acknowledged that the business environment in Balochistan is unique.

They said that shifting from trading to manufacturing is crucial for the progress and development of the province.

The EU experts also assured the businesspersons that the suggestions given by officials and members of the QCCI for the European Union’s Rule of Law Programme would be considered.

They acknowledged that Balochis­tan’s ground realities and business environment are vastly different from other provinces of the country.

They added that value addition of minerals extracted from Balochistan, as well as fruits, vegetables and other products of the province, is crucial.

The EU representatives stressed the need for promoting and encouraging small and medium enterprises in the province to create employment opportunities.

They said that the EU has established five mediation centers and two service centers in Balochistan. They expressed their desire for the mining and other sectors in Balochistan to be developed on modern lines.

Earlier, the QCCI senior vice president, Haji Agha Gul Khilji, vice president Syed Abdul Ahad Agha, and others welcomed Mr Hashmi, Mr Hussain and other experts from the EU.

They said that without steps and legislation to increase commercial activities in Balochistan, the local economy cannot improve.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2024