FOR rapid industrialisation and to address economic woes of the country success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), being established under multi billion dollars China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is undoubtedly a must and it is a matter of great satisfaction that Special Assistant to the PM for CPEC Authority Khalid Mansoor is working tirelessly to make them operational at the earliest.
In a recent podcast interview, Khalid Mansoor gave a comprehensive overview of the entire CPEC project and appeared optimistic about prospects of these SEZs.
Having a vast experience in corporate sector, Khalid Mansoor is amongst the few people who has not only watched closely the industrial development of China that took place over the years but also worked with Chinese companies on some of the leading projects especially in power sector under the CPEC.
This is the reason that his arrival in the CPEC Authority has greatly restored confidence of Chinese investors. Now there is an increased level of activity on corridor related projects.
The Chinese companies are also closely engaging with concerned authorities in Pakistan and recently a comprehensive briefing on business opportunities and incentives over investment was given to them by Khalid Mansoor and Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar.
As regards the SEZs, the Special Assistant said a facilitation centre would be established to offer one window operation to Chinese investors.
Certainly the more ease and facilitation is extended to them and obstacles removed in their ways, the more Chinese companies will pour their money in the SEZs and establish diverse export oriented industries.
To provide job opportunities to growing population and address the issues of trade deficit and reliance on international lenders, this golden opportunity in the form of SEZs is knocking at our doors and we have no doubt in saying that this will be grabbed when devoted and capable persons like at Khalid Mansoor are at the helm of affairs.
We suggest that road shows should be conducted abroad and business communities there engaged to attract their investments in these zones which offer competitive incentives including 10-year tax exemption.
