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Development work on SEPZ in full swing

SIALKOT: Development work on Sialkot Export Processing Zone (SEPZ), sprawling over an area of 240 acres, is in full swing.

Informed sources told APP here on Wednesday that SEPZ will have about 900 plots of four different categories. SEPZ is the second biggest zone in the country which is being set up by Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA), Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) and Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, sources added.

The project will be competed at a cost of more than Rs 110 million while the custom house and Administrative block had already been constructed in the zone.

Sources further said that government would provide incentives and facilities to the business community of Sialkot and other interested persons of adjoining areas. The facilities like one window service and simplified procedure (b) all infrastructural facilities like water, sui gas, electricity, telex and telephone (c) import permits and export authorisations are issued within 24 hours (d) availability of skilled and unskilled labour (e) sub-contracting without limit on variety and quantity is allowed within zone limit as well as in tariff area of Pakistan for industries located in the zone (f) the manufacturing units located in SEPZ are eligible to participate in auction of quotas (g) GSP concessions given by various countries to import from Pakistan are available to the manufacturers in the zone (h) off shore banking and insurance facilities will be made available in the zone (i) peaceful, secure and environmentally protected area.

Sources further said that 50,000 gallons water would be supplied to SEPZ per day. In addition water requirement will be met from a tube-well of 3 cusecs capacity which will function 20 hours a day. Similarly, international telex and telephone service will be made available through a 400 lines digital electronic exchange linked with all parts of the world by satellite communication.

Sources added that the completion of Sialkot Export Processing Zone (SEPZ) will open new visites of foreign investment as well as help in establishing new projects within the zone, sources said. APP