ADB to conduct survey to assess economic potential

MCCI chief urges govt to set up industrial park in Multan under CPEC

MULTAN: Asian Development Bank (ADB) Pakistan Resident Mission (PRM) Farzana Naushab said that the bank will conduct a survey in south Punjab to enhance economic activity.

Addressing a meeting of the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), chaired by its president Khawaja Jalaluddin Roomi, she said that PRM provides primary operational links for activities between ADB and the government, the private sector, civil society stakeholders and development partners.



The resident mission engages in policy dialogue, country partnership strategy development and portfolio management, while also acts as a knowledge base on development issues in Pakistan, said Naushab.

Speaking on the occasion, MCCI president said that the government should develop an industrial park near Multan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to end unemployment and poverty.

He said that there was a dire need for provision of infrastructure, potable drinking water, educational and health facilities and job opportunities.

Roomi suggested that an industrial park be established, at a distance of 20 km in Multan, like Sheikhpura.

He also requested the prime minister to send the federal minister for planning and industries secretary to visit MCCI for interaction with local industrialists and businesses. He offered a joint venture with Chinese investors in different fields and also shed some light on the problems confronted by the agriculture sector.

Representatives of different committees also highlighted the problems faced by the industries, factories and traders. They said that the economic development of the area was not possible without resolving the energy crisis and improving the economy.

They stressed that there is a need for changing the mind-set of the bureaucracy and other government officials, while also introduce one window operation for new investors.



The representatives suggested that the government should provide relief to tax-payers by expanding the tax-net and exploring new tax-payers. There should be a facility of copyrights for the artists, craftsmen and skilled workers, they said, adding that exhibitions and expo centres be established in Multan to showcase their products.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2017.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.