All industrial schemes: Centre urged to include Chaman Industrial Zone

ISLAMABAD: The representatives of Chaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) on Thursday urged the federal government to include the Chaman Industrial Zone in all federal industrial schemes and support its programmes.

A delegation of the CCCI, which called on Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, also emphasised the urgent need for vocational and technical training centers to develop skilled manpower for industrial activities.

The CCCI also discussed key issues faced by local businesses and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Chaman, the bordering city with Afghanistan in Balochistan province.

The meeting was attended by Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Industries and Production, and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDA, Nadia J Seth. Detailed discussions were held on the challenges confronting SMEs in Chaman and the need for targeted federal support.

Representatives of the chamber highlighted that with a population of nearly one million, and its strategic importance due to commerce, transport, and cross-border trade, Chaman has the potential to emerge as a major SME hub.

Proposals were shared for the establishment of a government-supported Common Facility Center (CFC) to enable industries to utilize shared machinery, as well as the creation of an Export Facilitation Desk in Chaman. Support for the development of agro-processing and cold chain industries was also sought to strengthen local value chains and enhance export potential.

During the meeting, Haroon Akhtar also briefed the Chamber members on the vision of the federal government led by the Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for the promotion and empowerment of SMEs, stating that the Prime Minister has directed facilitation and uplift of every SME across the country.

He acknowledged the vital role of the Chaman Chamber in cross-border trade and assured that the Chamber would be included in all relevant development programs and committees. Haroon Akhtar Khan announced that, with the support of SMEDA and the Pakistan Industrial and Technical Assistance Centre (PITAC), a Technical and Vocational Training Center will be established in Chaman.

He further stated that a Common Facility Center at the Chaman border would significantly benefit SMEs operating in the region. He added that the government is already working on agro-processing and cold chain projects, and Chaman will also be included in these initiatives.

Emphasizing SMEDA’s critical role, he directed the organization to facilitate the Chaman Chamber and ensure tangible results. Concluding the meeting, Haroon Akhtar Khan assured the Chaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry of full government support for the development and growth of SMEs in the region.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025