Bilawal sees industrial revolution

KARACHI:

 

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari promised an industrial revolution in the country, starting from Thatta district, as he launched the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on Saturday.

Addressing the foundation-stone laying ceremony of the SEZ, Bilawal said that an inorganic political party was launched in the past on the pretence of “bringing change” but it unleashed socio-political and economic destruction in the country.

The $5 billion Dhabeji SEZ is a flagship priority project of the Sindh government. Bilawal, also the foreign minister of Pakistan, said that the Sindh government during its tenure had launched a number of mega projects in various sectors.

“I congratulate Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and his team for materialising this dream of [former] president Asif Ali Zardari, who had negotiated three important projects for Sindh with the Chinese authorities,” Bilawal said.

“[Former] president Asif Zardari laid the foundation of CPEC [China-Pakistan Economic Corridor],” he said, listing the three major projects for Sindh as the Dhabeji SEZ, Keti Bunder project, and the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR).

“He [Zardari] made frequent visits to China during his tenure as the president and negotiated the development of Pakistan, particularly the development of industrial and infrastructure, power generation, trade sectors,” he continued.

Bilawal said Zardari’s frequent visits had borne fruit in the shape of CPEC projects under which Thar Coal-fired Power Project has started power generation and the Dhabeji SEZ was being developed, while various road projects were completed.

He added that the development of the Gwadar Port and improvements being made at the Karachi Port were part of Zardari’s vision, which would bring prosperity to the country, and generate employment opportunities.

He said that the PPP worked for the development of the people, while the other parties only paid lip service. “Our mission is to get the country out of poverty. We will work in such a manner that can provide employment to the people.”

Bilawal also mentioned the concept of public-private partnership (PPP), which was propounded by former prime minister Shaheed Mohterma Benazir Bhutto in her 1993 election manifesto.

“When the government works with the private sector as a development partner its benefits trickle down to the people in the shape of employment opportunities … and the businessmen reap the harvest as partners,” Bilawal said.

The Sindh government while carrying forward this concept of PPP, constructed the Karachi-Thatta dual carriageway, Jhirk-Mulakatiar Bridge over Indus, launched coal-mining in Thar, he said, adding that these projects were running successfully.

The PPP chief proudly noted that the Public Private Partnership Unit of the Sindh government had been recognised as the sixth best-performing unit by the International Intelligence Unit of The Economist.

“The Economist’s Intelligence Unit has issued rating of the Public Private Partnership projects in Asia,” he told the ceremony. He added that Thailand had been rated as number one in this category.

He continued that the Philippines and China were at number two and number three, respectively, followed by India at number four, and Gujrat state of India at number five. “Sindh province is at number 6.”

On the occasion, Chief Minister Shah hailed “the remarkable growth and resilience of Sindh's economy despite global challenges”,” he touted the Dhabeji SEZ as a thriving hub, brimmed with untapped investment opportunities.

“As we embark upon a journey in the post-Covid era, our focus remained on revitalising Pakistan's economy, with special emphasis on the vibrant province of Sindh,” Shah said.

“The PPP is committed to bringing about social development and economic prosperity, and the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ) stands as a testament to our dedication to that goal.”

Shah invited investors, industrialists, and traders to explore the Dhabeji SEZ, which offered strategic location, meticulously planned infrastructure, supportive policies, and unparalleled platform for businesses to flourish.

Earlier, the PPP Chairman performed the groundbreaking of the Dhabeji SEZ. The largest SEZ of Pakistan in Dhabeji town has a greater significance given an easy access to the Port Qasim and a direct access to the National Highway.

Designed to promote economic growth, attract foreign investment, and boost local industries, the Dhabeji SEZ will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and a favourable business environment for various sectors.

The ceremony was also attended by provincial ministers, Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Shah, Gianchand, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, business community representatives, diplomats and senior government officials.

(WITH ADDITION INPUT FROM EHTSHAM MUFTI)