Small industry hubs planned

Punjab Economic Transformation Committee to map local skills, needs

LAHORE:

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a major plan to promote small industries across the province and constituted the Punjab Economic Transformation Committee to accelerate industrial development.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by the chief minister to review measures for promoting industrialisation in Punjab.

A decision was taken to develop different districts as industrial hubs in accordance with their local production capacity, skills and economic needs.

The 11-member economic transformation committee will be headed by Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. The provincial finance secretary will serve as the secretary of the panel.

The committee will identify economic potential through district-level economic mapping and determine sectoral priorities for establishing industrial clusters in various districts. It will also set measurable indicators along with short- and long-term timelines for implementation.

The committee will consult private-sector stakeholders to develop sector-wise actionable plans and work towards establishing a sustainable ecosystem for economic growth. It will also focus on preparing a skilled workforce through skill development programmes tailored to the needs of relevant industries.

The chief minister ordered that locally produced value-added products should be linked with global value chains to strengthen exports and industrial competitiveness.

During the meeting, proposals were reviewed to develop Lahore as a hub for information technology software, garments, meat processing and leather industries.

Proposals to develop Gujranwala as a hub for surgical instruments and sports goods were also reviewed.