KARACHI – The federal government is showing reluctance to financing the establishment of the China Industrial Zone that is aimed at promoting industrialisation in Sindh, sources in the provincial government have informed Pakistan Today. Under President Asif Ali Zardari’s initiative, the Sindh government had decided to set up the China Industrial Zone at Shahdadpur in Sanghar district, adjacent to some small industries already operating in the region, to promote industrialisation in the interior parts of the province. Besides, the president had also assured the authorities concerned of financing for the said scheme by the federal government, but this important project has fallen victim to apathy and negligence on the part of the officials concerned.
Although the ruling Pakistan People’s Party often uses its ‘Sindh Card’ to display its strength, the party leadership at the federal level is reluctant to raise the issue of the said project with the higher authorities, putting a number of important development schemes on the back burner. There is an extensive list of development schemes that have been sidelined by the federal authorities without any objection made by the elected representatives from Sindh. It is pertinent to mention here that in early 2009, the Sindh Industries and Commerce Department had worked out China Industrial Zone’s PC-I, which was later cleared by the Provincial Development Working Party and forwarded to the federal government.
The Sindh Planning and Development Department has repeatedly approached the federal authorities – a fourth reminder sent recently – requesting them to release the funds so that the scheme could be completed as soon as possible. According to the initial work-plan, the China Industrial Zone would be spread over an area of 100 acres with direct control of China. Moreover, the local industries would also be promoted in the said industrial zone. Sindh requires only Rs 548.347 million in order to develop infrastructure, and provide water and electricity. Cattle feed, poultry farming, hotel, motel, light engineering workshop, milk plant, oil expelling units, flour milling, rice husking, steel doors and windows, food industry, and agricultural accessories have been proposed for the said industrial zone.
Sources said that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah is expected to take the matter of the China Industrial Zone with President Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to ensure early release of funds for the scheme.
