Islamabad: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has extended an invitation to vanaspati manufacturers to establish an edible oil industrial hub at Port Qasim. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance industrial and commercial zones at the port, aimed at boosting investment, manufacturing, and exports.

According to Press Information Department, the minister addressed members of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturing Association (PVMA) after inaugurating its house, where he assured that the government would provide the necessary facilities to support the proposed zone. Chaudhry highlighted the significant contribution of the edible oil industry to government revenue through customs duty and sales tax from imports.

The government plans to establish an automotive processing zone on 150 acres at Port Qasim, with a phased expansion based on market demand. Additionally, a 250-acre apparel zone is in the works, expected to create over 138,000 jobs and generate annual exports of approximately $2.2 billion in its initial phase.

Chaudhry acknowledged existing land issues at Port Qasim and assured that these would be addressed, with land allocated to investors presenting viable business plans. He also proposed the establishment of a seawater treatment plant in collaboration with PVMA to tackle the port’s water shortage, inviting the association to participate in this venture to meet industrial water needs.

The minister emphasized the government’s interest in increasing private-sector involvement in the development of facilities and industrial activities at Port Qasim.