The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to introduce a new five-year industrial policy to promote industrialization and provide essential facilities to the sector.
In this regard, consultations with all stakeholders have been formally initiated.
The new industrial policy for 2025-2030 will build on lessons from past policies, including their successes and challenges.
Efforts will be made to make the policy more effective and beneficial for the province's industrial growth.
As part of the consultation process, the first stakeholder meeting was held on Tuesday in Peshawar.
The session included representatives from the provincial government, relevant departments and institutions, industrialists, and other key stakeholders to gather their insights on the proposed policy.
The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Industries, Abdul Karim Tordher, as the chief guest. Other key attendees included Special Assistant for Technical Education Tufail Anjum, Secretary for Industries, Commerce and Technical Education Aamir Afaq, Special Secretary Anwar Khan, MD SIDB Habibullah Arif, CEO KP Economic Zones Management and Development Company (KPEZDMC) Adil Salahuddin, Director Business Facilitation Board of Investment and Trade Iqbal Sarwar, senior officials from the Energy, Industry department and Bank of Khyber.
Additionally, President of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce Fazal Muqeem, President of Peshawar Industrial Association Ayub Zakori, prominent industrialist and former President of Sarhad Chamber Fawad Ishaq, SMEDA Chief, MD TEVTA, and several other business figures participated in the discussion.
During the session, participants provided their recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the upcoming industrial policy for the rapid development of the sector. Provincial departments also gave presentations on their respective responsibilities.
Speaking at the session, Abdul Karim Tordher emphasized that the new industrial policy will focus on sectors of local significance. He assured that the policy will be developed with the mutual consultation of industrialists, business communities, and other stakeholders.
He highlighted the potential of untapped resources in the province and stressed the need to incorporate these economic sectors into the new policy.
The five-year policy will be framed considering the outcomes and challenges of previous policies, ensuring an inclusive approach by engaging all stakeholders. Additionally, he directed all Chambers of Commerce to integrate with the K-P Board of Investment and Trade through an online platform.
He also proposed the inclusion of a Self-Enterprise Development Fund in the new policy.
Recognizing the importance of industrialists, he acknowledged their resilience in operating businesses under challenging conditions. The government aims to introduce policies that facilitate and uplift the industrial sector. He further urged stakeholders to submit their suggestions in writing for incorporation into the final policy draft.
Special Assistant for Technical Education emphasized the necessity of a skilled workforce for industrial growth. He elaborated on TEVTA's role in providing job-specific and on-campus training through various modules and courses.
He highlighted efforts to transform training colleges into model institutions and enhance the capabilities of trainers.
He urged industrialists to support TEVTA's placement of skilled trainees in industries by providing local accommodation and food, while TEVTA continues to offer monthly stipends to these trainees.
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