Punjab govt plans SME industrial estates

Sialkot: Punjab government has evolved a strategy for establishment of SME industrial estates aimed at mitigating the problems confronting the SME sector engaged with various industries in the province.

Reliable sources said that under the proposed plan, SME industrial estates would be set up in major industrial towns including Sialkot and work on the plan would be executed in upcoming financial year. The proposed plan would surely help reduce the problems being confronted by the SME sector, as basic facilities would be ensured in the proposed industrial estates, sources added.

Sources said that special attention would be accorded on the development of industrial sector on modern and scientific lines aimed at enhancing export volume and bringing industrial revolution through setting up large-scale industries including agro-based industries in the province.

The government would also introduce various schemes for the development of small and medium industries and loan facilities would be extended to the small and medium businessmen enabling them to upgrade their industrial units besides setting up new industrial projects in the Punjab, sources said.

Sources said the government was also providing loan facilities for the advancement and expansion of agro-based industries and dairy development, engineering and information technology in the Punjab.

The prime aim of setting up large-scale industries is to ensure strong industrial base and keep the economic wheel in gear in the Punjab, sources said adding that maximum establishment of industries will not only help double the export volume but also create wide job opportunities.