ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), led by its president Muhammad Shakeel Munir, called on Minister for Planning Asad Umar and discussed with him the establishment of new Islamabad Industrial Zone project.

Welcoming the newly-elected ICCI delegation, Asad Umar said that the existing industrial areas in Islamabad had exhausted the land, and further expansion is needed to generate economic activity, employment, and revenue, and potentially earn precious foreign exchange in the shape of exports.

Also, being the capital, a model industrial estate is needed to showcase the industrial development in the country for foreign visitors, he said.

The minister said the provision of electricity, gas, water, and other basic amenities would be ensured in the industrial zone, adding that this project would be a source of employment not only for Islamabad but also for the citizens of areas adjoining Islamabad and would be helpful for industrialisation, as well.

The meeting decided, in principle, to create a new industrial zone for Islamabad. Further, they also discussed developing the project under a public-private partnership (PPP) structure.

Khalid Javaid, Abdul Rauf, Tariq Sadiq, Shaban Khalid, and other representatives of the ICCI also attended the meeting.