KARACHI, May 5: Sindh Agriculture Secretary Sabhago Khan Jatoi has assured to release funds for the stalled development work on Agro Export Processing Zone (AEPZ) after finalising work plan, including road map indicating specific time schedule.In a recent meeting with the exporters who had been allotted plots for setting up processing units in the zone which is first of its kind in the country, Mr Jatoi informed that encroachments on mosque area of the AEPZ had been cleared.

On the demand of exporters it was decided that the zone will only have two main gates and the AEPZ consultant should be asked to design gates with a provision of having time office and security guards.

It was also stressed to take all development activities of the zone including infrastructure and basic utilities with specific timeframe to complete the project at the earliest. The exporters also demanded that quality control laboratory and effluent treatment plant be set up at the zone.

In order to ensure early operation of the AEPZ, exporters asked the agriculture secretary to complete work on electricity, water, gas and drainage system on priority basis, because only then stakeholders will be able to carry out installation work of their processing units.

It was also decided that mechanical lifting of containers will also be considered for quick movement of perishable goods from zone area to export outlets.

The project director of the zone suggested that the Environment Protection Agency should be contacted for the installation of effluent plant in the AEPZ and Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Board should also be taken on board by inviting them in meetings of the Agriculture Export Process Zone Authority.