Sindh, Centre agree to set up SEZ on remaining PSM land

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Industries & Production Minister Rana Tanveer in their meeting at the CM House on Tuesday discussed the revival of the Pakistan Steel Mill (PSM) plan and the establishment of a special economic zone (SEZ) on the remaining land of the PSM.

The CM said that the proposed SEZ project was discussed in the provincial cabinet meeting on May 30. He added that his cabinet proposed that the federal government establish the SEZ on the extra land of the PSM.

Shah said his cabinet was of the view that the 700 acres of land earmarked for the PSM plant should be kept intact for the revitalisation of the steel mill plant or for setting up a new steel mill, while any additional requirement of land for the purpose should be worked out mutually.

Tanveer proposed that the Centre is ready to allow the provincial government to revive the old steel mill plant or install a new one on its 700 acres. The CM said that the 4,840 acres of land may be utilised to set up an SEZ for the federal and provincial governments. The federal minister said that the Centre from its resources would start developing the SEZ to be given to Chinese investors.

Shah said the SEZ is located close to the sea, and its infrastructure is in place, along with the necessary water and gas facilities. He added that these facilities would be enough to make the SEZ one of the best in the country.

The provincial and federal governments agreed to complete the paperwork at the earliest so that the zone can be established promptly, noting that the SEZ would generate employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s economy.

The CM said he, with the support of the Centre, would make all-out efforts to revive the PSM through public-private partnership so that this national asset can be utilised for employment and economic development.

Shah said his government is working hard to strengthen the agro-economy by introducing cropping patterns, strengthening and reviving the industrial sector, and providing technical education to youngsters. This effort, he added, is aimed at generating a technical and non-technical workforce to accommodate the same in the growing industrial sector.

The meeting was also attended by Sindh Industries Minister Jam Ikram Dharejo, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Principal Secretary to CM Agha Wasif, Industries Secretary Yasin Shar, Federal Industries Secretary Saif Anjum and others.