HYDERABAD: Emphasising the critical role of Hyderabad in Sindh’s economy, Rawal Sharjeel Memon said sustainable economic growth is not possible unless the problems faced by industrialists are resolved on a priority basis.
Addressing members of the Hyderabad SITE Association of Trade & Industry (HSATI), Memon described Hyderabad as the business hub of Sindh, and a key contributor to provincial and national economic development.
He assured business owners that a comprehensive meeting would soon be held with Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Industries & Commerce Minister Jam Ikramullah Dharejo and officers of the relevant departments to address the key issues related to electricity and gas supply, and industrial infrastructure.
He also announced plans to bring the IT minister to Hyderabad to initiate the digitisation of the SITE Limited system. Additionally, he said, solar-powered street lights equipped with surveillance cameras would be installed on all roads in SITE Hyderabad through the Hyderabad deputy commissioner.
He also made the assurance that the long-standing issue of road blockages caused by the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company in the SITE area would be resolved at the earliest.
Terming the interaction the first step toward stronger coordination, he expressed optimism that engagement between political leadership and Hyderabad’s business community would further improve in future.
Earlier, HSATI Chairman Zubair Ghangra had welcomed the Rawal Memon and said that despite not holding a formal government position, his active interest in business matters and direct interaction with industrialists are highly commendable.
Ghangra stressed that the promotion of industry and trade is the backbone of a strong economy, and that meaningful dialogue between political leadership and business owners is essential.
He hoped that the issues of SITE Hyderabad, particularly energy shortages, poor infrastructure and rising business costs, would be effectively conveyed to the senior leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party and the provincial government.
HSATI Senior Vice Chairman Amir Shahab presented a detailed briefing on the challenges faced by SITE Hyderabad, saying that it is the second-largest industrial zone in Sindh with over 600 industrial units providing employment to thousands of people.
However, Shahab said, low gas pressure, unannounced shutdowns, high tariffs, complex licensing procedures and poor infrastructure have caused industrial production to decline by 30 to 40 per cent.
He urged the government to introduce a special gas tariff for SITE Hyderabad, implement a digital one-window licensing system, upgrade infrastructure and appoint a dedicated focal person for effective coordination with business owners.
Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI) President Muhammad Saleem Memon said the chamber has consistently raised SITE Hyderabad’s issues at various government forums, resulting in the approval of a Rs1.1 billion infrastructure grant.
However, Memon regretted, the full amount is yet to be released. He demanded its immediate disbursement to develop SITE Hyderabad into a model industrial zone.
He also expressed concern that Sindh cabinet ministers often do not meet business owners during visits to Hyderabad, terming Rawal Memon’s visit a positive step toward initiating direct dialogue with the chief minister and senior cabinet members.
The event was also attended by Jamshoro Chamber Senior Vice President Mahmood, HCSTSI Patron Seth Amin Khatri, HCSTSI Senior Vice President Ahmed Idrees Chohan, Karachi Association of Trade & Industry Chairman Khalil Baloch, Nooriabad office-bearers and a large number of SITE Hyderabad industrialists. The programme was hosted by Unique Group of Companies Director Ali Ahmed Ghangra, while Owais Ghangra delivered a comprehensive welcome address.
