LAHORE: The two-day 11th Colour & Chem Expo 2026, began in Lahore, featuring participation from more than 300 companies associated with the dyes and chemicals industry from Pakistan, China, Iran, Türkiye, Germany, Bangladesh, and several other countries.
Provincial Minister for Industries Ch Shafay Hussain performed the inauguration ceremony which was attended by President Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Faheem-ur-Rehman Sehgal, FPCCI Senior Vice President Saqib Fayyaz Maggo, event organisers Rashid-ul-Haq and Abdul Rahim Chughtai, along with a large number of industrialists and business leaders.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony and talking to media, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said that the government has undertaken practical measures to promote industrial growth, increase exports, and attract investment.
He said the problems faced by industries and industrialists are being resolved on a priority basis. He highlighted that the government has introduced a new industrial policy under which industrial plots in industrial estates can now be acquired on a 50-year lease. He also announced that a new policy is being introduced to promote the chemicals industry.
The minister said that the government has taken effective steps for ease of doing business in the province. Investors are now able to obtain all required NOCs within 30 days through a one-window operation. Due to a highly favorable investment atmosphere in Punjab, new industries are being established while existing industrial units are expanding their operations.
He informed the gathering that a 100-acre surgical city is being developed in Sialkot, while a new industrial estate is being established at Qaidabad, where value-added pink salt processing industries will be set up. He further announced that, for the first time in Pakistan’s history, chip frame manufacturing is about to commence. He also said that the Vivo Mobile manufacturing plant in Faisalabad Industrial Estate, established with Chinese investment, is nearing completion.
Chaudhry Shafay stated that interest-free loans are being provided to industrialists and traders under the Chief Minister Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme. He announced that another interest-free financing programme for industrial development will be launched in October this year.
He said that Punjab’s Special Economic Zones offer world-class industrial infrastructure and excellent investment opportunities. Furthermore, a comprehensive programme to upgrade infrastructure in 23 Small Industrial Estates across Punjab will also begin this year.
The Minister added that several two-wheeler electric vehicle assembly plants have already been established in Punjab and have started production.
Congratulating the organisers on the successful arrangement of the exhibition, the minister said that such international exhibitions play a vital role in introducing local industries to modern technologies, strengthening business linkages, and attracting foreign investment.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026