Work on the project, which spread over an area of 75-acre, would commence soon, he added.
Giving details of the project, he said that the proposed dry port, which would be established on self-help basis, would cater the needs of exporters/importers from the industrial areas of Okara, Chunian, Lahore and Gujranwala. Although, at present two dry ports were already working at Mughalpura and Thokar Niaz Baig areas, both were insufficient to meet the growing needs of importers and exporters.
About the benefits of the proposed dry port, Malik said it would facilitate trade with India and other neighbouring countries after the enforcement of World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime and Safta, while at local level it would cater to the needs of industrialists hailing from Okara, Raiwind, Kasur, Chunian, Kot Lakhpat, Sundar Industrial Estate, GT Road Lahore and Gujranwala.
He further said that the affairs of this dry port would be run through a board of trustees comprising 75 members, including 30 each big exporters and importers and 15 belonging to various industrial areas.