'Centre allocates Rs 3 billion for industrial estates expansion'
KARACHI (June 12 2005): Sindh Minister for Industries, Mohammed Adil Siddiqi has said that Federal government allocated Rs 3 billion for expansion of industrial estates and improvement in the basic infrastructure while Sindh Government had already earmarked a grant of Rs500 million for SITE Karachi. He was speaking as chief guest at farewell dinner hosted for retiring Chairman Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, Mian Zahid Hussain here on Friday night.
President FPCCI Chaudhry Mohammed Saeed, Chairman KATI Abdul Haseeb Khan, noted business leaders Tariq Sayed and S.M Munir also addressed the function.
Adil Siddiqi said that in the new budget all the suggestions he proposed for industrial stability in the province had been approved and he particularly thanked President General Musharraf for approving a major sum for development of Sindh's industrial estates.
Referring to KATI's problems regarding gas, electricity and roads were brought to his notice, the Minister said he would take them up personally with the concerned authorities for their solution.
Adil Siddiqi said new industrial policy was being brought soon. Major improvements were being brought in the transport system and all possible steps being taken for introducing pollution-free transport culture. He said that during his tenure the number of industries had risen from 2841 to 2963 while 59 new units were under construction.
Adil Siddiqi said that elimination of poverty and unemployment was his prime objective and assured his utmost co-operation in establishment of industries and investment in the province.
President FPCCI appreciated the new budget and the co-operation of Adil Siddiqi in solving the problems of business community.
Chairman KATI Abdul Haseeb Khan also praised the budget 2005-06 and said reforms by CBR also deserve appreciation. However, he said required results could not be achieved without provision of water, land and electricity. Tariq Sayeed stressed on provision of industrial plots on easy terms.
On the occasion Fateha was offered for Aslam Mujahid, the deceased office-bearer of KATI.
Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005