Under the proposal forwarded to the departments concerned for further action, a number of industrial zones-32 in Punjab, 33 in Sindh, three in Islamabad, seven in Balochistan and 17 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-would be established.
It was mentioned in the proposal that under the Special Economic Zones Act (EPZA) of 2012 had allowed establishment of zones including special economic zones, export processing zones, free trade zones and hybrid economic zones. Also included were tax holidays and duty- and tax-free capital equipment including machinery and spares. The proposal emphasized that smooth working of these zones could only be possible in case of establishment of custom stations and dry ports within the zones.
It was also mentioned in the proposal that in view of the zones' importance the FBR has already constituted a committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Collector of Enforcement (South) in Karachi to prepare draft rules for the special economic zones and Gawadar Port and free zone areas.
It was therefore suggested in the proposal that the FBR should approach the ministry of planning and development to include the establishment of dry ports and stations in plans for the special zones.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017