Steps afoot to attract investment to KP, says governor Kundi

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has said that steps are being taken to provide conducive environment to investors to attract maximum investment to the province.
He was chairing a meeting of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company here on Monday, said a handout.
Adviser on Industries Mohammad Arshad, Secretary Industries and other relevant officers attended the meeting.
The meeting gave detailed briefing to the governor on administrative structure of the company, performance, achievements, future goals, economic zones, revenues and other matters.
The briefing said 15 economic zones were currently functional in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while planning had been made to establish seven more economic zones. About 107,000 employment opportunities have been created by the company so far.
The governor was also informed about problems faced by various economic zones, Yaka Ghund Marble City, Katlang Economic Zone and other proposed projects.
Mr Kundi said there were vast opportunities for industrial development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which needed to be fully utilised. For this purpose, work would have to be done under a comprehensive and workable strategy.
He said countless employment opportunities could be created for people of the province by promoting industries, while industrial development could also play an important role in strengthening provincial economy.
The governor said private investment would have to be encouraged for promotion of industries in the province. Conducive environment would be provided to investors to attract maximum investment to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He directed that facilities be provided to investors under ease of doing business policy and business matters be made easier so that private sector could play effective role in industrial development of the province.
Mr Kundi directed to immediately resolve functional problems of economic zones and said consultation be made with Finance Department for solution of problems related to purchase of lands and payments for new economic zone projects and workable proposals be presented.
He directed that immediate meetings be held with relevant federal and provincial departments for solution of problems faced by economic zones, all relevant institutions be taken into confidence, problems be heard and solid and workable decisions be taken for their solution.
He said matters related to federal departments be taken up with federal government and effective measures be taken for their solution.
He stressed need to resolve security concerns, selection of sites and other administrative issues in economic zones on priority basis.
Mr Kundi said some economic zones were located in areas where law and order issues were faced. Comprehensive review of these issues be conducted and suitable solution be found so that these zones could also be made functional and industrial activities could be started there.
He directed relevant authorities to expedite action for solution of financial issues and legal disputes of economic zones and remove all obstacles in their functionality and ensure early progress on pending matters.