The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has finalized the development of a new export processing zone in Balochistan, following a shift in governmental decisions. The Ministry of Industry and Production had initially planned this project to boost exports from the Black Deck area in Balochistan.
Despite earlier considerations, the construction of this export processing zone faced delays due to conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Ministry of Finance expressed reservations, leading to a reconsideration of the project. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presided over the meeting, where additional funds were allocated for the zone. However, the decision was later revised, and the establishment of the export processing zone in Balochistan was withdrawn.
In other decisions, the ECC approved the procurement of civil works for the Calcutta-Chitral 48 km road project (N-45) and authorized the Ministry of Communications and the National Highway Authority to proceed as per Public Procurement Rules.
The committee also directed the allocation of Rs 23.84 crore for settling arrears from the wheat subsidy scheme for the 2015-16 fiscal year, based on recommendations from the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue. The Ministry has been tasked with arranging the necessary funds through available budgetary resources to address long-standing claims.
Furthermore, the ECC reviewed a request for a Rs 656 million loan to cover salaries and pensions for employees of the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee. The committee recommended winding up the institution and directed that the case be presented to the Cabinet Committee for Federal Government Rights.
Additionally, the ECC approved a revision to the gas supply prioritization. Gas allocation for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes will now be given top priority, while gas for captive power-consuming industries and CNG will be moved to a lower priority category. This adjustment aims to enhance gas availability for industrial processes.
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