Rashkai Special Economic Zone a crucial project to promote industrial growth: Khyber Pakhtunkhaw Minister

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhaw Caretaker Minister for Industries, Commerce, Technical Education Dr Aamir Abdullah has emphasized the significant role of the Rashkai Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as a crucial project to promote industrial growth.

This project, established through the collaboration of Pakistan and China within the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is expected to be a major milestone in advancing industrialization and economic prosperity within the province.

The minister said the government was fully committed to extending comprehensive support and resources to entrepreneurs and businesses that intend to set up industries within this designated zone.

Dr Aamir Abdullah conveyed these insights during a briefing held while he visited the Rashkai Special Economic Zone.

He was accompanied by Javed Iqbal, the Chief Executive Officer of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company, along with other officials involved in the CPEC project.

Representatives from the “China Roads and Building Company” (CRBC), who are engaged in a collaborative effort with the provincial government for constructing the zone, were also present.

During his visit, the Caretaker Minister received a comprehensive overview of the special economic zone’s pivotal role in advancing industrial development within the framework of CPEC, its distinctive features, and the progress made during its initial construction phase. He was also briefed about the prospective facilities to be introduced in subsequent phases.

It was conveyed to the Caretaker Minister that this special economic zone was one of the major projects initiated under the CPEC program.

It is a result of collaboration between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development Company and the Chinese construction firm CRBC. The first phase of construction is nearing completion and encompasses a total area of 1000 acres, with 702 acres allocated for industrial purposes and 76 acres for commercial activities.

This development has attracted the attention of both foreign and domestic industrialists and entrepreneurs who are keen to invest in this economic zone.

In the initial phase, plots have been assigned to 18 domestic industries and one Chinese enterprise, with all necessary facilities conforming to the required standards.

The Caretaker Minister was also apprised of certain issues related to electricity and gas supply, which he pledged to resolve promptly.

Dr Aamir Abdullah commended the interest of foreign investors in the Rashakai Special Economic Zone and assured that all essential amenities would be provided to both local and international investors.

He also pledged to address concerns regarding electricity and gas supply promptly, ensuring seamless industrial growth in this strategically significant location.

During his visit, the Caretaker Minister inspected various construction projects within the zone and expressed satisfaction with their quality. As a token of appreciation for his visit, the Chinese construction company CRBC presented him with a shield.