RSEZ all set to become regional industrial hub: CM Mahmood

Directs early resolution of issues of two hydropower projects in Chitral

PESHAWAR: Rashakai Special Economic Zone (RSEZ) is all set to become the centre of manufacturing and production in the province and the region in the future, said Chief Minister Mahmood Khan.

RSEZ would emerge as the most suitable economic centre of the province and region. “We have already announced special concessions for investment and industrialisation formally approved by the provincial cabinet,” he added.

Mahmood said that he has announced a Cottage Industrial Zone in Bajaur during his recent visit to the tribal district. “Establishment of economic zones in the whole of the province including the merged areas will be the priority area of the incumbent government,” the CM said.

He directed to furnish progress report on the two 610 megawatt of electricity projects in Chitral and asked for the legal status of different investment schemes in the province.

He was presiding over two different meetings on RSEZ and hydropower projects at his office in Chief Minister Secretariat Peshawar. K-P Finance Minister Taimur Salim Jhagra, CM’s Adviser Ajmal Wazir, CM’s Adviser on Energy Himayat Ullah Khan, Special Assistant for Industries Abdul Karim, Chief Secretary Salim Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Shahzad Bangash, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Shahab Ali Shah, administrative secretaries of departments concerned and others attended the meeting.

The meeting was briefed about the RSEZ and the CPEC related energy projects in the province.

Addressing the participants CM Mahmood directed finalising procedure for the transmission line from two hydropower projects in Chitral. This procedure should take into account the market consumption capacity of the electricity produced by the hydropower projects adding that a study should be carried out in this regard. “We have multiple hydropower generation sites for which long term policy should be executed,” Mahmood said.

The meeting was informed about the concessional agreement on the RSEZ. CM directed to bring it to the forum of provincial cabinet adding that RSEZ being the geographical centre of the region was the most viable economic zone that would integrate the whole region economically promoting industrialisation, creating jobs and leading to overall economic development and prosperity.

Mahmood said that under the industrial policy, implementation would be carried out between the mutual understanding of China and Pakistan. However, the overall legal frame and requirements should be taken care of. The economic development will spell out the overall prosperity adding that his government would bring the newly merged districts to the national mainstream of development and resources would be provided which would be utilised transparently.