Islamabad: An inter-ministerial meeting has decided to allocate PKR 500 million for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the upcoming Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), a news source reported.
During the meeting, it was decided that among these SEZs, the Bin Qasim SEZ would be prioritised under PSDP 2019-20. The meeting also decided that electricity provision would be ensured for nine zones, including the Bin Qasim Industrial Park and Korangi Creek Industrial Park in Karachi, Khairpur SEZ, Quaid-e-Azam Apparel Park in Sheikhupura, Hattar SEZ and Rashakai SEZ in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), M3 Industrial City in Faisalabad, Allama Iqbal Industrial City, and the China SEZ in Thatta.
According to sources, the total additional electricity requirement of these SEZs is 1,700 megawatts (MG). Up to 25% of the cost incurred on these projects will be allocated in the budget under PSDP 2019-20.
During the meeting, Minister of Power Omar Ayub Khan directed K-Electric to make the arrangements in order to meet the electricity requirements of the Bin Qasim Industrial Park.
Meanwhile, Advisor to PM on Industries & Production Abdul Razak Dawood directed the Board of Investment (BOI) to devise a comprehensive plan in consultation with the authorities concerned to ensure the provision of electricity to the said SEZs.
