by Tahir Ali

 

PESHAWAR, May 28 (Gwadar Pro) - Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday inaugurated the Rashakai Special Economic Zone (RSEZ) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), which is the first project of “industrial cooperation” under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).   

 

Imran Khan said if a nation wants wealth creation, it is not possible without industrialization. He added “Pakistan’s future lies in industrialization.”

 

“Pakistan cannot learn from the industrialization of the West, the industrialization of China could be a role model for Pakistan,” he said.

 

PM said, “Following China’s pattern, our focus should be on industries that increase exports. If your exports do not increase, the wealth of countries cannot be increased.”

 

PM urged the government to create a favorable environment for investors. “There should be a one window operation facility for investors,” he said, adding that “We will encourage Chinese investors to come here and establish their industries in Pakistan.”   

 

Earlier Abdul Karim Tordher, Special Assistant to Chief Minister KP on Industries, told Gwadar Pro “This is the first Industrial Joint Venture (JV) with $128 million Chinese investment.”  

 

RSEZ, the flagship project of CPEC, is termed as a milestone for the KP province, which will open a new chapter of industrialization in the province and will create thousands of jobs for the locals. The zone is attracting billions of dollars investment from foreign and local investors.

 

The Government of KP and its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones and Development and Management Company (KPEZDMC) and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) are developing RSEZ, which is spread over an area of approximately 1,000 acres of land. For managing the affairs of RSEZ, Rashakai Special Economic Zone Development and Operations Company (RSEZDOC), a special purpose vehicle, has been set up as a JV between KPEZDMC and CRBC.