Edible oil processing zone at Port Qasim proposed

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has invited vanaspati manufacturers to set up an edible oil industrial city at Port Qasim. Addressing members of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) after inaugurating the PVMA House, the minister said the government would facilitate the industry in setting up the proposed zone and provide necessary facilities at Port Qasim. Junaid Anwar noted that the edible oil industry was among the major contributors to government revenue as the sector was generating substantial customs duty and sales tax from imports. He said the government intended to develop industrial and commercial zones at the port to draw investment and promote manufacturing and exports. The minister mentioned that an automotive processing zone would be established over 150 acres at Port Qasim and its capacity would be expanded in phases in line with market demand. Similarly, a 250-acre apparel zone is also planned to be set up at the port. Its first phase is projected to create more than 138,000 jobs and generate annual exports of around $2.2 billion. He stressed that issues relating to the allocation of land at Port Qasim had been discussed and would be resolved over time. "Land will be allotted to investors who come forward with viable business plans." Referring to water shortage, Junaid Anwar said a seawater treatment plant could be established in collaboration with the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association to use the treated water at the port. He invited the association to participate in the proposed project, saying it could work with Port Qasim to establish and operate a system to meet water requirements of industries. The maritime minister emphasised that the government was seeking greater private-sector participation in the development of facilities and industrial activity at Port Qasim.