Vanaspati manufacturers invited to set up industrial city at Port Qasim

The federal government has invited vanaspati manufacturers to set up an edible oil industrial city at Port Qasim, according to Mettis Link News. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry made the offer while addressing members of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturing Association after inaugurating its new building. He pledged support and facilities for investors in the proposed zone.

Chaudhry described the edible oil sector as a significant source of government revenue, citing the large amounts it brings in through customs duty and sales tax on imports. He outlined wider plans for Port Qasim, including a 150-acre automotive processing zone that would expand in phases according to demand. A 250-acre apparel zone is also planned, and its first phase is projected to create over 138,000 jobs and generate around $2.2bn in annual exports.

Chaudhry said authorities had started addressing land concerns at the port, which would be settled gradually, with plots going to investors who present viable business plans. To tackle the water shortage, he proposed a seawater treatment plant under a business model with the PVMA, and the treated water would be reused within the port. He also said the government wants a bigger role for the private sector in building port facilities and industries.