The government has decided to expedite the process of provision of electricity to special economic zones with the view to promote investment and industrial growth in the provincial metropolis. The decision was taken at a meeting jointly chaired by Chief Secretary Punjab Yousaf Naseem Khokhar and Federal Secretary Power Division Irfan Ali here on Saturday.
Various proposals regarding provision of required load of electricity to Sundar Industrial Estate Lahore, Quaid-e-Azam Apparel Park Sheikhupura, and industrial estates of Rahim Yar Khan, Bhalwal, Vehari and Faisalabad were reviewed.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief secretary said that industrial growth always played an important role in national economy and keeping the wheel of industry turning would put the country on way to progress and prosperity.
He mentioned that China is showing keen interest in investment in special economic zones. He stated that industrial growth in Punjab would contribute to national economy and help to address economic problems of the country.
He mentioned that the government is committed to providing a conducive environment to the investors by taking measures for ease of doing business.
"All possible facilities would be given to industrialists within the regulatory framework," he added.
He said issues related to special economic zones would be resolved on priority in national interest and for this purpose relevant provincial departments must keep close coordination with federal government.
Federal Secretary Power Division Irfan Ali said that full cooperation would be extended for provision of electricity to special economic zones. He also issued necessary directions to power distribution companies in this regard.
He said curbing power theft helped overcome load shedding. Federal Secretary Board of Investment, administrative secretaries of provincial industries and energy departments, Managing Director National Transmission and Dispatch Company Chief Executive officer of Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) were also present on the occasion.