Senate body for 'all possible steps' for development in Balochistan

The Senate Standing Committee on Industry and Commerce has affirmed its determination to take all possible steps for the development and promotion of industry and trade in Balochistan.

The committee said it will remain committed to the task unless all productive sections such as industry and trade, agriculture, livestock and mining are fully developed.

"The dream of economic development in the country and the province cannot be embarrassed," Zeeshan Khanzada, the chairman of the committee, said in a meeting on Monday.

"All resources will be utilised to open new business gates with the neighbouring countries to solve the problems faced by the industry and trade community,” he said, adding that suggestions in this regard will be prioritised.

In attendance were members of the committee including Senators Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, Dinesh Kumar, Fida Muhammad Khan and Kuhda Babar.

President Chamber of Commerce Fida Hussain Dashti, Sr. Vice President Mohammad Ayub Merani, Vice President Amjad Ali Siddiqui, Customs Mohammad Sadiq, Rashid Naveed, Dr Farid, State Bank of Pakistan Amjad Ali Imran and FIA Director Tariq Khan Khilji also attended the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Khanzada, said that issues related to industry and trade of Balochistan and promotion of border and barter trade with neighbouring countries were among his top priorities.

In addition, relevant issues will also be discussed with the Afghan authorities, he informed.

"There is a special procedure for trade between the countries which we have to follow," he said.

Fida Hussain Dashti, President Chamber of Commerce and Industry, welcomed the chairman and members of the standing committee.

"Import and export activities have also been completed along the borders with Afghanistan and Iran," he said.

"Issues like the closure of Zanzibar Gateways, delay in implementation of Barter Trade Agreement with Iran, non-deployment of Consultant and other difficulties have adversely affected industry and trade, agriculture, livestock, mining and other sectors,” he said.

“Obstacles should be removed so that the people of a backward and deprived province like Balochistan can be economically prosperous.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th, 2021.