KARACHI: Governor Sindh Imran Ismail has said that federal government would extend all support to the provincial government of Sindh in initiating projects to tap rich mineral resources of the province, which would attract investment in mineral extraction sector.

He was addressing on Tuesday to the business community at the Korangi Association of Trade Industry (KATI).

Governor Sindh Imran Ismail viewed that according to the World Bank report there has not been any increase in exports of Pakistan during the last five years. However, imports have jumped during the same period.

He also underscored the importance of working with Karachi Water Board and the need to correct water supply system, as water was mercilessly wasted being a free resource.

Governor assured the industrialists that he would talk to the gas utility company Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) regarding gas supply issues facing industries in Korangi.

Speaking about the Karachi package, Ismail said Prime Minister Imran Khan has already announced Karachi package comprising five mega projects including Desalination Plant, Northern Bypass, Water Treatment Plant, Green Line Project and Circular Railway. He also mentioned that he had discussions with the Chief Minister Sindh on K4 project and the federal government would extend support to the Sindh Government. However, he pointed out that there were some technical issues, which would be resolved soon.

On the occasion, Patron KATI S.M Muneer viewed that Prime Minister Imran Khan was taking keen interest in increasing country’s exports. “Sadly, in Faisalabad, 80 percent of the industries are closed and it is high time that practical actions are taken to reopen these industries and to begin with issuing stuck-up refunds of the exporters”.

President KATI Danish Khan emphasized that agro industry should especially be focused as China was the largest importer of agro-based products, and Pakistan could tap that market after completion of CPEC.