ISLAMABAD, April 24: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has directed the ministry of ports and shipping and Balochistan government to prepare within a month a special package of incentives for the export promotion zone (EPZ) planned near Gwadar port.

Mr Aziz issued the directive at a meeting held here on Monday to review the progress on Gwadar port. He said the package should be submitted to the government for approval.

The government would set up an EPZ near Gwadar on a designated area to promote industrial activity with a view to providing employment opportunities to the people of Balochistan.

Ports and Shipping Minister Babar Ghauri informed the prime minister that construction and dredging for deeper draught of 14.5 metres was proceeding as per schedule.

The meeting was informed that the process of acquisition of additional land to build warehouses was also in progress.

Mr Aziz emphasised the need for providing water, gas and electricity facilities to the investors on urgent basis.