Bannu economic zone beckons investors
photo: file
In a key move to bolster economic activities and foster employment opportunities, the Caretaker Government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has officially inaugurated the Bannu Economic Zone.
The commercial launch, led by Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah, took place in a ceremony at the Chief Minister House.
The event, held on Tuesday, featured the caretaker chief minister as the chief guest, alongside key figures such as the provincial minister for Industries, Dr. Aamir Abdullah, Industries Secretary Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, CEO of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (EZDMC) Javed Khattak, Board members of EZDMC, and various other officials.
During this event, the chief minister personally distributed allotment letters to investors who expressed interest in contributing to the economic zone.
The Bannu Economic Zone, sprawled over an expansive 415 acres, is designed to accommodate a total of 265 small and large-scale industrial units. Anticipating a substantial investment of Rs10 billion, the economic zone is expected to generate around 16,000 direct jobs and 48,000 indirect employment opportunities.
The chief minister, during the ceremony, received a comprehensive briefing on the important features of the newly established economic zone.
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The strategic significance of the location was emphasized, highlighting its potential to emerge as a hub for economic activities not only within Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa but also for other provinces and even Central Asia.
The chief minister expressed optimism about the economic zone’s pivotal role in the rapid development of southern districts and adjacent areas. He underscored the pressing need to uplift the southern and merged districts, aligning with the government’s broader vision of promoting development and prosperity.
Commending the Economic Zones Development and Management Company for the successful launch of the Bannu Economic Zone, the chief minister acknowledged its potential as a milestone towards promoting sustainable economic development. He emphasized that the caretaker government is dedicated to providing employment opportunities to the youth in these backward districts.
Stimulating investment opportunities in the province remains a top priority for the caretaker government. The chief minister reiterated the commitment to offering comprehensive facilities and cooperation to industrialists interested in investing in the region. This commitment aligns with the broader goal of creating a conducive environment for economic growth and attracting investments.
Moreover, the chief minister highlighted the overall performance of EZDMC, focusing on existing and upcoming economic zones in the province.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 24th, 2024.