950807

LCCI asked to

indicate site

for Lahore EPZ

LAHORE: The Federal government has deputed a consultant to undertake feasibility study for setting up new export processing zones in the country.

According to a LCCI press release, this was stated by S.T.R. Zaidi, Chairman, Export Processing Zones Authority, while addressing a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry here on Monday. The meeting was chaired by Sh. Wahiduddin, Acting President of the LCCI.

Zaidi said that once the required area of land is provided by the Punjab government for EPZ near Lahore, the federal government would release funds for installation of the infrastructure. However, he urged upon the LCCI to create more interest among the business community for establishment of the EPZ. He was of the view that without the active involvement of the private sector, the EPZ could not be set up in Lahore.

He also suggested to the LCCI office-bearers to find out the investors from upcountry areas who are eager to set up industrial projects in the proposed EPZ.

Zaidi said that to review the plan for extending the existing EPZ in Karachi, and establishment of the new EPZ in Lahore, the government has allocated Rs.18 lakh for preparing a feasibility study. He asked the LCCI office-bearers to indicate certain suitable areas for setting up the EPZ so that the consultant could base his study according to the areas desired by the LCCI.

Earlier, the acting chief of the LCCI, Sh. Wahiduddin, welcomed the EPZA Chairman and assured him of all possible co-operation on behalf of the LCCI to establish an EPZ in Lahore.

He assured them that he would take up the matter of acquiring hand with the Punjab Governor in the meeting with him next week.-APP