Nine EPZs set up in the country

ISLAMABAD: The Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA)has established nine Export Processing Zones (EPZs) all across the country so far. Out of theses, three EPZs have been set up at Risalpur, Sialkot and Gujranwala under joint ventures whereas other six exclusive EPZs have been established at Saindak, Reko Diq, Duddar, Tuwairqi, Khalifa Coastal Oil Refinery and Gawader.Risalpur EPZ is a joint venture with Sarhad Development Authority (SDA) established in 2002, said a press statement adding the Sialkot EPZ is a joint venture with Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) established in 2005 whereas Gujranwala EPZ is also a joint venture with PSIC.

Saindak EPZ has been leased to Chinese firm M/s MCC Resource Development Co. Ltd. at district Chagai in Balochistan in 2003 whereas Reko Diq EPZ was leased to an Australian Firm M/s BHP, at district Chagai in Balochistan, it added.Tuwairqi EPZ was leased to M/s Tuwairqi Group of Saudi Arabia at Bin

Qasim in Karachi in 2006 whereas Duddar EPZ has been leased to Chinese Firm MCC Duddar Minerals Development Co. (Pvt) Ltd. at district Lasbella in Balochistan in 2009.Similarly, Khalifa Coastal Oil Refinery EPZ was leased to International Investment and Petroleum Company (IPIC) of UAE at district Lasbella Sub-Tehsil Gaddani in Balochistan.

Gawader is the recently new established EPZ which is under development near the newly constructed Gawader Port. Federal Minister for Industries and Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani

while appreciating the active role of EPZA in the industrial growth of Pakistan has expressed the hope that the EPZA would continue its active role consistently in future.The active role played by EPZA would help in stabilizing the economy and job creation he said adding all other sick industrial units under his Ministry would be on recovery track in the near future with an efficient management and better planning.