by Fatima Javed

ISLAMABAD, Dec. 15 (Gwadar Pro) - Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said that the industrial development was vital for economic growth and government was committed to providing ease-of-doing-business to investors while chairing the 7th meeting of Board of Approvals for Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

The Prime Minister said economic activities generated by SEZs would increase job opportunities for local skilled and un-skilled labor. He directed to provide utility services, including electricity and gas to SEZs on priority.

The Board approved SEZ Zone Enterprise Admission and Sale / Lease of Plot Regulations 2020. The meeting approved the launching of online SEZ Management Information System whereby the approvals process would be digitalized and streamlined.

It would also act as a one-window for investors and ensure transparency. The SEZs Board also approved award of status of Sole Enterprise Special Economic Zones to Siddiqsons Tin Plate in Balochistan and Service Long March Tyre in Sind SEZs.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Muhammad Hammad Azhar and Senator Shibli Faraz, Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mehmood Khan, chief secretaries of Sindh and Balochistan, Board of Investment chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman, Planning Commission deputy chairman, chief executive officers (CEOs) of Provincial Boards of Investments, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) president and senior officers, including Secretary BOI.

Gilgit Baltistan chief minister and State Bank deputy governor joined the meeting via video link. The meeting was apprised that there were 19 SEZs notified in the country.