ISLAMABAD, Sept 2: The Central Board of Revenue chairman, Abdullah Yousaf, on Friday said all possible steps would be taken for the economic progress of Azad Kashmir and promised an early decision on the dry port in Mirpur after consultation with the relevant institutions.
He was speaking at a high level meeting on matters pertaining to the AJK Chamber of Commerce and Industries at Kashmir House here on Friday.
Mr Yousaf said the environment and policies in Azad Kashmir were ideal to attract investment. He said those ready to invest in Azad Kashmir will be encouraged in the best possible manner.
AJK Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan called for a road link between Mirpur and other cities of Pakistan and establishing a standard dry port in the city. He said the people were reluctant to make huge investments in Mirpur because of absence of a rail link and dry port. They are preferring other areas and there is need to address the issue at the earliest. He said Mirpur was situated at half an hour drive from G.T. Road and had the potential to emerge as an economic and industrial hub, if proper attention was given to it.
He said the global political and economic scenario had rapidly changed in the aftermath of 9/11 and 7/7 incidents in the United States and the United Kingdom respectively. He said the investors, particularly Kashmiri expatriates were looking for suitable places for investment.
He observed that an industrial revolution could be brought about by providing a better infrastructure and investment- friendly environment. He said Azad Kashmir could become an example for the four provinces of Pakistan by doing so.
He said Kashmiri expatriates had earned a distinction in the world on account of their hard work, intelligence and dexterity. He said over seven lakh Kashmiris in the United Kingdom alone owned businesses worth billions of dollars.
He said the Kashmiri expatriates wanted to invest their capital, use their expertise and promote industry in their own country. He said an industrial-friendly atmosphere and economic infrastructure must be provided in Azad Kashmir to facilitate these prospective investors.
Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan said there existed a basic structure in the form of electricity, water and skilled manpower and a vast network of roads.
He said the AJK government had set up a number of industrial zones in the state, while a piece of land measuring 2,000 kanals had been allocated for the export processing zone in Mirpur. He said a central city and four new cities were being built under the Mangla Dam expansion plan. He said all these steps would give a boost to trade and industry.
The meeting besides others was also attended by AJK Minister for Trade and Industries Sardar Muhammad Yaqub Khan, AJK Secretary Finance Saleem Sethi, Joint Secretary Kashmir Council Faridullah Khan, Director-General Cabinet Division Yasin Tahir, Secretary Law Sardar Ashraf, Secretary Industries Saeed Mughal, Principal Secretary Akram Sohail and President Azad Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries Raja Jameel.