LAHORE: The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has reviewed progress on agreements, MoUs and joint ventures concluded during the prime minister’s recent visit to China, directing ministries to refine their data, streamline coordination and finalise follow-up actions before the upcoming briefing to the prime minister.
According to the documents available with The News, the fourth meeting of the committee established to monitor the implementation of China-related commitments was held at the SIFC Secretariat, chaired by the SAPM on Industries and Production. The Board of Investment (BoI) shared an extensive progress report, noting that ministries had been actively coordinating with relevant Chinese companies and government bodies.
The chair emphasized that all ministries must ensure that information submitted to the prime minister is complete, accurate and quantifiable. Focal persons were instructed to undertake a detailed in-house review of each MoU or joint venture before any meeting with the prime minister. The Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Housing and Works were tasked to share details of the OASIS MoU with the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination.
Progress on the National Programme for Animal Disease Surveillance and the creation of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) zones was also reviewed. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research briefed the forum on developments following the prime minister’s recent visit to Malaysia. The chair remarked that establishing FMD zones was essential for enhancing Pakistan’s agricultural and meat exports and instructed the ministry to clearly outline timelines for every step. Updated slides on future actions and schedules were also sought.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was directed to ensure separate representation from Customs and Inland Revenue Services in all subsequent meetings to improve clarity in technical discussions.
Providing an update on Special Economic Zones reforms, the BoI informed the committee that a summary proposing amendments to the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act had already been sent to the federal cabinet. Once approved, the decision will be circulated among all federal and provincial stakeholders, including the SEZ authorities.
Issues concerning the Chinese textile firm, M/s Challenge Fashion, were also taken up. Noting that the company operates in the textile sector, the committee decided that the Ministry of Commerce would serve as the lead ministry for coordination with provincial and federal bodies. The Ministry of Planning and BoI were directed to share all relevant documents and information with Commerce for efficient follow-up.
A discussion on delays in issuing NOCs for Chinese tourists, particularly those visiting northern areas, was initiated by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC). The Ministry of Interior explained the sensitivities and procedures involved. After deliberations, the forum decided that the IPC Ministry would constitute a working group comprising relevant stakeholders to formulate a National Tourism Policy.
The meeting also addressed matters relating to bonded warehouses in Special Economic Zones. Federal and provincial SEZ authorities — including PIDC, PIEDMC and FIEDMC — were instructed to submit timelines for the FBR registration of bonded warehouses. The FBR will share a unified policy and standard operating procedures for bonded warehouse operations across all SEZs.
