Authorities are currently identifying suitable land to establish a special economic zone in Islamabad.
The land identification process is being carried out in coordination with the Punjab Government. National Coordinator Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Lieutenant General Asad ur Rehman Afzal Cheema met with a delegation from the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia, President of the ICCI, led the delegation.
The group also included Secretary General Ghulam Murtaza and Senior Vice President Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatha. Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia emphasized the necessity of allocating a site for a modern industrial estate in Islamabad. He also stressed the importance of creating an international-standard convention and exhibition centre in the capital.
Zia stated that State Bank of Pakistan regulations regarding high port charges and debt recovery are causing problems for the business community. He further argued that Pakistan requires a predictable economic policy framework with a minimum ten-year horizon. Lieutenant General Asad ur Cheema endorsed the proposal to build a state-of-the-art exhibition centre near Islamabad.
The SIFC coordinator also highlighted the investment potential of the Karachi Industrial Estate. Cheema said the matter would be resolved at the earliest. He added that the issues would be submitted to the appropriate authorities for a proper resolution.
Cheema told the delegation that the business community could submit regulatory and administrative issues through the SIFC portal for expeditious processing and resolution. The Council refers such complaints to the relevant government departments and authorities for necessary action, Cheema said.
