KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has established multiple committees to resolve key challenges faced by industrial zones, aiming to enhance production and attract investment. The decision came during a meeting of the Business Facilitation Coordination Committee (BFCC), formed on the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to address industrialists' concerns.

The meeting, held at CM House yesterday, was attended by provincial ministers, senior government officials, and representatives from various business organizations, including the Pakistan Business Council, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), and Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI).

Murad Ali Shah assured industrialists that their concerns were a priority, pledging to address provincial-level issues directly while working with the federal government on broader matters such as energy and taxation.

He emphasized that the meeting aimed to gather insights from business leaders to shape policies that foster economic growth. Business representatives highlighted problems including electricity fluctuations, water shortages, gas supply disruptions, and excessive local levies, arguing that industrial expansion was impossible without urgent solutions.

A special desk at the Commissioner's Office will be established to resolve water, drainage, and encroachment issues. The Sindh Energy Department will engage with K-Electric and gas authorities to find tailored solutions for industrial zones. The Chief Secretary will review the 29 local levies imposed on industries, with a separate meeting to be held with Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and industrial leaders.

To ensure focused problem-solving, CM Murad announced the formation of several sector-specific committees, each led by a provincial minister and including industrial representatives: Industrial Policy Committee - Led by Minister Jam Ikram, this body will draft a new provincial industrial policy to attract investment and support existing businesses. Energy Committee - Chaired by Energy Minister Nasir Shah, it will work with federal authorities to resolve electricity and gas supply issues.

Security Committee - Headed by Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, this team will focus on ensuring law and order in industrial areas.Infrastructure Committee - Led by Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, it will include the Karachi Mayor and industrialists to address roads, drainage, and transport infrastructure. Transport & Traffic Committee - Chaired by Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, this group will resolve traffic congestion and transport problems affecting industrial areas.

PPP Mode Projects Committee - Directly overseen by CM Murad, this committee will explore public-private partnerships for infrastructure, health, and education projects. Housing Committee - Led by Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, it will focus on issues related to the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) and the housing sector.

Media Committee - Formed at the request of industrialists, this committee will work on improving Karachi's image to attract more investment. The CM underscored that these committees would ensure that issues were resolved at the departmental level, while he would personally handle more complex matters.

Additionally, he announced that the Sindh Investment Department is developing a One-Window Investment Facilitation System to streamline business operations and encourage investments. Industrialists appreciated the proactive approach and expressed gratitude to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for prioritizing industrial development.

Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his government's commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, saying, "We are taking concrete steps to address industrial challenges, and with collective efforts, Sindh's economy will flourish."

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 04 2025

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