Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) Chairman M Saadat S Cheema visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) for discussing the matters of mutual interest including setting up EPZA liaison office in the Chamber and establishment of EPZs which would help in creating business and commercial activities in the region.

He also sought the ICCI help and cooperation for establishment of Halal Export Processing Zone. He said that various international brands should be attracted towards Pakistan for making investment in Halal Export Processing Zone which would ultimately increase the exports of Halal products as global value for trade of Halal foods and non-food products is estimated more than USD1 trillion annually.

Cheema said that the EPZA offers the intending investors an excellent, amiable, market-friendly and secure atmosphere in its processing zones. The relevant operative procedures are simple, hassle-free, easy to understand and time-saving. The cost of doing business is competitive in all EPZs as compared to other zones in the region, especially for manufacturing, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Zafar Bakhtawari, President of ICCI, underlined the need of establishing Islamabad Export Processing Zone and assures full support of ICCI to EPZA that would enable the exporters of Federal Capital to increase their exports up to desired level.

ICCI President informed the meeting that ICCI in collaboration with Chakwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) planned to establish an industrial estate at Chakwal motorway because of relatively affordable property prices, therefore, a portion of industrial estate could be allocated for EPZ which would facilitate the growth of industrial activities in this Pothohar region.

He urged the Chairman EPZA for representation of ICCI in the EPZA board of directors that would help close coordination between the business community and EPZA. He said that foreign investors should be motivated to invest in EPZs so that the exports could be increased as the country at the moment was in dire need of forex.