LAHORE: Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren and Challenge Group Chairman Huang Weiguo on Tuesday inaugurated the Challenge Special economic zone and two new textile factories in Punjab.
The inaugural ceremony took place at PSIC House here and was attended by Secretary Industries Umar Masood, the Challenge Apparel Group team, and other investors. Speaking at the event, Chaudhry Shafay said that Challenge Apparel Group is establishing two new factories within the SEZ, which will create 25,000 employment opportunities for local residents. Machinery orders for both factories have already been placed, and production is expected to begin within one year. One of the factories will produce a type of fabric that is currently not manufactured anywhere else in Pakistan, the minister added.
He said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz previously met with the group, and her efforts have facilitated the establishment of these new factories.
The minister outlined other industrial initiatives in Punjab, including the construction of 10 new factories at Quaid-i-Azam Business Park Sheikhupura, the assembly of electric vehicles, and the development of a 200-acre pharmaceutical valley to boost the pharmaceutical sector.
Additionally, a garment city has already been established at the Quaid-i-Azam business park Sheikhupura, he said and appreciated the role of Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren in bringing Chinese investment here and expressed hope that he would continue to bring more Chinese investment to the province.
Chinese Consul General and Huang reaffirmed their commitment to further investment and local workforce training in Punjab.
