KARACHI, Nov 30: Industries and Production Minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi on Saturday asked PIDC to convert its vacant plots at Korangi and Javedan Cement factory into industrial estates with “one desk operation” to foster industrialization in the country.

He was talking to newsmen after attending the briefing on Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) at its head office. Secretary industries Dr Akram Shaikh and PIDC chairman Zahid Husain were also present on the occasion.

He said PIDC had a vacant industrial plot of 250 acres in Korangi area and 650 acres plot of former Javedan Cement Factory in the middle of the city.

“These two plots should be converted into industrial estates to attract investment from domestic as well as foreign investors for generating employment in the country,” Jatoi observed.

He said sanctions would be given in one or two days with all the necessary approval for water, power, gas and telephone connections to the potential investors.

He said he would talk to provincial and federal government for obtaining all the infrastructure facilities at these estates, including roads, banks, water, power, gas, telephone, etc.

He said that the government wanted to encourage small and medium enterprises to promote industrialization and create job opportunities at a faster pace and for this purpose the prime minister has set up a ‘committee on investment’.

“We want to address the issue of unemployment on priority basis and development of SMEs was the solution to this problem,” Jatoi observed.

“It is the duty of the government to create job opportunities for the people and we will do this to remove frustration among the youth,” he categorically said.

He said the government would provide incentives to ensure the growth of SMEs in the country.

To a question about the investment policy, the minister said no new investment policy was required and the government would ensure the implementation of the existing policies.

He said foreign investment would be encouraged and the investors would be given priority as they brought in investment and technology in the country. “I don’t want to see foreign investor running pillar to post to get sanctions and approval for necessary requirements. They will be attended at one place,” he maintained.

“I will also go abroad if necessary to attract foreign investment in Pakistan,” the minister said.

He said utility tariff are being rationalized to attract investment and reduce cost of production.

To a question about sick public sector units, he said the government was examining their viability. “We will support those units which were un-intentionally converted into sick entities and examine those who were intentionally rendered sick.”

Jatoi pointed out that agro-based industry would be encouraged to generate employment opportunities in the rural areas.—APP