Parliamentary Committee on CPEC Takes Swift Action to Advance SEZ Implementation
To accelerate the implementation of early harvest projects within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC, chaired by Sher Ali Arbab, has issued directives to relevant authorities. These directives focus on resolving issues related to special economic zones (SEZs) on an urgent basis. Specifically, taxes and duties associated with SEZs in Rashakai, Dhabeji, and Faisalabad have been discussed. The committee has instructed the Board of Investment (BoI), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to expedite the resolution of these matters.
P.c. Pakistan Today
Additionally, the National Highways Authority (NHA) has been tasked with ensuring the timely completion of the projects. The committee's objective is to prepare these early harvest projects for economic activity within the CPEC.
During the committee's in-camera meeting, chaired by Sher Ali Arbab, the following agenda items were addressed:
1. Confirmation of minutes from previous meetings.
2. A presentation by the Secretary of Communications on both completed and ongoing infrastructure development projects under CPEC.
3. A briefing by the FBR on income tax, sales tax, and customs duties related to Gwadar and SEZs in Rashakai, Dhabeji, and Faisalabad.
4 Discussion of modalities for local and foreign companies regarding banking facilities and exemptions.
5. A comprehensive update from the Chairman of the National Highways Authority (NHA) on infrastructure development projects within the CPEC.
Committee members expressed their desire for project expeditiousness and recommended that the NHA adhere to established timelines. Furthermore, the meeting emphasized the need to address tax and duty issues concerning SEZs in Rashakai, Dhabeji, and Faisalabad. The committee strongly urged the BoI, SBP, and FBR to prioritize the resolution of these SEZ-related issues to facilitate the prompt commencement of economic activities within the early harvest projects.
Chairman Sher Ali Arbab emphasized the importance of providing provisions and concessions that promote industrial growth, import substitution, and export-oriented industries.
Attendees at the meeting included Noor Alam Khan, Sadaqat Ali Abbasi, Umer Aslam Khan, Khan Muhammad Jamali, Zille Huma, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Mehnaz Akbar Aziz, and Muhammad Aslam Bhootani.