ECC orders provision of gas, electricity to special economic zones

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee on Monday directed the power and petroleum divisions to devise a plan within 30 days to ensure the provision of electricity and gas facilities to the Special Economic Zones under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

During the meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Asad Umar in Islamabad, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood and top officials from the Board of Investment gave a detailed briefing on the progress regarding Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The meeting was informed that there are a number of administrative hurdles and challenges to ensure the commencement of work in these special zones.

After detailed deliberations, the power and petroleum divisions were asked to submit a plan to the ECC within the next 30 days regarding electricity and gas requirements of the SEZs.

The ECC was informed that the government has planned to establish nine SEZs in all four provinces, and Gilgit Baltistan under the framework of the CPEC. Three economic zones will be established at three different locations during the first phase; Rashakai in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, M3 Faisalabad in Punjab and Dhabeji near Karachi in Sindh.