ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed to complete establishment of economic zones on priority basis and promote mutual coordination and cooperation among concerned departments to remove impediments in this regard.
He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad today (Wednesday) regarding progress made so far on the establishment of Special Economic Zones in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said completion of economic zones will further facilitate the business community in doing business.
He said expedited economic activities will not only strengthen Pakistan's economy, but also create job opportunities for the youth. He said facilitating business community is the top priority of the government.
The Prime Minister was informed that work on Allama Iqbal Industrial City Faisalabad will be completed by the end of this year, while Quaid-e-Azam Apparel Park and Bahawalpur Industrial Estate projects be completed by March next year.
He was told that Rashakai Economic Zone will be completed by June next year.
Imran Khan was told that establishment of new business zones in various districts of Punjab will create employment opportunities to hundreds of thousands of young people.
A proposal to set up Cottage Business and Resident Parks was also presented in the meeting to promote small and medium businesses.
The Prime Minister was briefed that in the first phase, Cottage Business Parks will be established in ten districts of Punjab to promote small and medium businesses, which will be gradually extended to other districts as well.
He was informed that Cottage Business and Resident Parks will promote specific industrial products of various cities and provide business opportunities to women under their own roof.
Imran Khan was also given detailed briefing on establishment of special zones for various sectors like health city in Punjab.
He directed his advisor on Commerce to present a detailed report on tax exemption on the import of machinery and equipment used in hospitals.