KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and delegation of FPCCI discussed issues and facilities in direction to cementing business and industrial activities.

CM said that FPCCI has proposed construction of an alternative bridge to reduce dependence on Native Jetty Bridge. We are going to form group that will take industrialists together for development of commerce and industry and provide protection to serious industrialists and facilitate establishment of their industrial units.  Industry Minister Jam Ikram Dharijo, Labour Minister Shahid Thahim, Secretary to Chief Minister Rahim Sheikh, Industry Secretary, Labour Secretary and Chairman SRB Asif Memon participated in meeting. 

Government is planning to construct highway from Karachi Port to Malir Expressway to Korangi to facilitate freight traffic from Port to Motorway.  FPCCI representatives told Chief Minister that street crime is causing problems especially in industrial areas. Chief Minister said that his government has taken strict measures and made SHOs of area responsible for any negligence.  FPCCI members complained that infrastructure development of Dhabji Economic Zone is slow and prices of plots are high. Chief Minister said that he is not happy with pace of development work and will call meeting to resolve issues. 

Government is establishing two more economic zones in Karachi and Larkana. Sukkur site is being expanded. CM said that we will offer security, facilities and other incentives to industrialists interested in investing in economic zones in rural areas.  FPCCI members complained heavy traffic is not being allowed to use Lyari Expressway. CM told FPCCI members that he has taken up matter with National Highway Authority. FPCCI complained about acute shortage of gas and said that they are using wood and sugarcane husks to meet shortage of gas. CM assured them that he would talk to federal government. FPCCI told that industries have to go to Hyderabad or Karachi for cargo clearance and trade facilities. Requested Chief Minister to help in setting up Customs desks in Sukkur and Larkana. Chief Minister assured FPCCI would talk to federal Government to facilitate them in their respective districts/regions.