ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – A delegation from the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), led by Patron-in-Chief Sohail Altaf, met with Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain to finalize the development of a new industrial estate along the Rawalpindi Ring Road. The initiative aims to boost regional economic activity by providing dedicated space for business growth on non-agricultural land.

Key Points

• A joint working group of RCCI, Islamabad Chamber, and provincial officials was formed to accelerate the project.
• The industrial estate will be located on non-agricultural land to meet rising business demand.
• Punjab Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain emphasized the project’s potential to generate employment and strengthen the economy.
• The government highlighted the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme and PIVOT Program to support industrial expansion.

Strategic Importance of the Industrial Estate

The delegation, which included RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan and former President Asad Mashadi, engaged with government representatives to streamline the planning process. The newly formed joint working group features key figures such as Islamabad Chamber President Muhammad Zakaria Akbar Khan, former President Khalid Javed, and Chairman Hajveri Group Tauqeer Awan, alongside government officials like Secretary Industries and Commerce Muhammad Umar Masood and Chairman Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company (PAIDMC) Shehzad Azam.

Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain noted that the formal notification for this working group would be issued shortly. By focusing on non-agricultural land, the government intends to balance urban expansion with industrial necessity. The project is seen as a vital step in facilitating local entrepreneurs and attracting domestic investment to the Rawalpindi region.

Government Initiatives and Economic Growth

The RCCI leadership expressed support for the provincial government’s recent industrial policies, specifically praising the incentives provided under the Chief Minister’s Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme and the PIVOT Program. Such modernising initiatives are being cited as essential for long-term industrial sustainability. The delegation noted that income tax exemptions and access to interest-free loans are critical components that will encourage factory owners to establish operations within the new zone.

RCCI representatives reiterated that industrialization remains the primary driver of national economic stability. They described the Rawalpindi Ring Road project as a potential game-changer that will foster a robust business environment. The collaboration between chamber leaders and the provincial government signals a shared commitment to resolving infrastructure hurdles and creating, as noted by the business community, thousands of new jobs through private-public partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is leading the new industrial estate working group?

The working group is a collaborative effort involving representatives from the RCCI, the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce, and provincial government officials including Secretary Industries and Commerce Muhammad Umar Masood.

What is the primary goal of the Rawalpindi Ring Road industrial zone?

The project aims to establish a dedicated industrial estate on non-agricultural land to boost regional economic growth, attract new investment, and create employment opportunities.