Export processing zone planned in Rawalpindi

RCCI, EPZA sign MoU for promoting country’s exports.

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) have joined hands for establishing an export processing zone in the region in an effort to promote the export goods’ industry.

In this connection, RCCI President Manzar Khurshid Sheikh and EPZA Chairman M Saadat S Cheema inked a memorandum of understanding at the chamber on Thursday. To strengthen cooperation, EPZA also set up its office in the chamber.

Cheema revealed that EPZA would provide all facilities in the export processing zone to keep the momentum of business activities going. “EPZA’s objective is to promote export goods’ industry in order to generate more revenue for the country,” he said.

He pointed out that Rawalpindi was situated at a prime location for trade with China, central Asian states, Afghanistan and Kashmir.

Cheema said EPZA was focusing on the Rawalpindi region and was committed to working in collaboration with RCCI, adding the opening of EPZA office in the chamber premises was the first step in that direction.

Speaking on the occasion, RCCI President Manzar Khurshid Sheikh said the new export processing zone would meet the demand of the Rawalpindi Chamber and according to geographical importance of the region it had become the need of the hour.

He believed that the opening of EPZA office in RCCI building would take mutual cooperation to its peak. He also suggested that besides Halal products, EPZA should also focus on promoting women entrepreneurs and help develop their skills.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2013.

Like Business on Facebook to stay informed and join in the conversation.