Carryover from Last year
| S.NO | Activity Details Attached | Date Of Commencement | Date of Accomplishment | Intended Goals Details Attached | |
| 1 | Construction of Hub River Bridge | Carried Forwarded. | 01-12-24 | LCCI would aggressively pursue an early start of work for the construction of the Hub River Bridge which collapsed during last year’s rains and flood. | |
| 2 | Railway Line link from Karachi to Gaddani. | Carried Forwarded. | 30-12-26 | 400,000/- | A reliable mode of transport and Logistics |
| 3 | Setting up of Hub Special Economic Zone at Hub. | Carried Forwarded. | 30-12-25 | 300,000/- | Industrial growth and prosperity of the people of the region |
| 4 | Setting up of seafood city at Dham. | Carried Forwarded. | 31-12-26 | 100,000/- | Opening of new opportunities in the field of fisheries and opening the opportunities for the export of seafood |
| 5 | Setting up of date city at Hub. | Carried Forwarded. | 350,000/- | Opening the sales opportunities for local produce in local and international markets. | |
| 6 | Building of dual carriageway of northern bypass by NHA. | Carried Forwarded. | 31-12-2025 | 150,000/- | Ease of commutation for public and commercial transport |
| 7 | Setting up of solid waste management facility at Hub; | Carried forward | Same as above. |
*It may kindly be noted that many of the above activities would take more time to complete.
On-Going Tasks and Activities
| 1 | Environmental issues and setting up sewerage Water Treatment Plants by the industries that discharge effluents. at HUB | 01-6-2024 | Ongoing | 250,000/- | Compliance of Environmental laws in the industries. |
| 2 | Meeting of Managers and executive officers of the members. | 01-1-2024 | On-going | 350,000/- | To discuss and resolve the issues of the industry and to provide guidance and support where required. |
| 3 | Resolving the water crises at Hub and Gaddani; | 01-04-2024 | 31-12-23 | 2000,000/- | Assuring adequate sustainable supply of water to industries and people of the area. |
| 4 | Pre-Budget Proposals and Feedback of the Business & Industrial Sector. | 01-04-2024 | 01-07-2023 | NIL | To collect the view of the industrial and business community and forward it to the government for financial bills. |
| 5 | Liaison with Law Enforcing Agencies. | 01-1-2024 | On-Going | 10,000,000/- | For all the year security of the area, has created a peaceful environment for business activity. |
| 6 | Coordination of industries with the Light Engineering Upgradation Center, (LEUC) hub. | 01-1-2024 | On-going | 100,000/- | To bridge between Academia and industry for the education of students accordingly and to absorb them in the industry. |
| 7 | Technical and Professional Training for members to enhance their technical and commercial knowledge. | 01-1-2024 | Coordination with SEMIDA and other training providers to arrange the capacity building. Engage NHA for road Safety training. Coordinate with ILO, WWF, and other organizations for conducting training and awareness on International standards and practices of Labor laws and the environment. |
Anjum R Khan
Secretary General
PLAN OF ACTIVITIES OF
LASBELA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
FOR 2024-26
INTRODUCTION
Lasbela District serves as principal Gateway to the largest province of the country and it’s Port of Gawader. Proximity to the port city of Karachi, the hub of economic activities of the country, distinguish Lasbela in the whole province of Balochistan.
Chamber has played significant role in improving the working environment for industries which are operational and for developing the infrastructure to invite industrial, agricultural and commercial investment in the District, by way of working with LIEDA under the conception of public / private partnership in the following long term and short-term activities:
There are 250+ industrial units in the district including seafood-related products, Power plants, Cement, Textile yarns and Fabrics, Glucose, Sugar, Confectionery, Food Products, fish meal products, Pharmaceuticals, Petrochemicals, Chemicals, Ceramics, Paper, Packaging material, Engineering goods, Steel, Marble & Granite, etc. We see the addition of thousands of industries soon with the announcement of a new Special Economic Zone at Hub.
RCD highway, Northern Bye Pass, and Coastal High way connect this region with the rest of the country. The infrastructure upgrading under CPEC projects would make it more important for attracting investments.
LASBELA CHAMBER’S VISION
Work for Ease of Business, Facilitate the industries for better working environment, helping create employment opportunities and improving the living standards of the people.
OBJECTIVES
To perform roll for creating conducive environment to attract agricultural and industrial investment in Lasbela District.
To propose & pursue the ideas/proposals for working on the untapped natural resource of the province. Keep drawing the attention of the government to initiate projects for the industrial. Commercial and agricultural development of the province.
To keep close liaison with Federal and Provincial Governments, Law enforcing authorities, LIEDA, and District and City Governments for this purpose.
Creating awareness on national and international levels regarding Mineral resources of the province and the district. To pursue the industrialist for bringing modern techniques of mining and processing of minerals here for making value-added products rather than exporting the mineral in the shape of raw material only.
To draw the attention of the government and attract investments for Sea Food Processing Date Processing, Wind and Solar power projects, mining, and exploration.
To facilitate the members in solving their problems regarding the interpretation of laws and procedures, provision of infrastructure facilities, performing the coordination role of bridge between Government and the private sector.
Carried Forward: LONG TERM ACTIVITIES:
The Railway Line link from Karachi to Gaddani
| Brief Description and Economic Importance. | Back ground: In August 2020 The Federal Government approved Rs. 10.5 Bn. (USD 66 Mn.) rehabilitation package for Karachi Circular Railway restoration. The good news for the Lasbela district is that in the west, this railway line would reach up to Hub. We find it the right time to take benefit of this plan and put our proposal to connect Giddani as well with Karachi through the Railway track. For this purpose, we need to support this project and try to add Giddani (maybe other destinations ahead also) to this track. A few benefits of this proposal would be as follows: Connecting Hub and Giddani with the main railway track of the country would bring an economic revolution in this region. Presently, Hub & Giddani could only be approached through roads from Karachi and other parts of the country. If Hub & and Giddini are connected through a railway line, it would pay back in a very short period. A few benefits would immediately start giving fruits like:The scrap generated through Ship Breaking which is transported to different destinations in the country by roads, would have a cost-effective reliable mode of transportation and would load their scrap directly from Giddani for any destination in Pakistan It would provide easy and cost-effective transport to the companies to bring their raw material and forward finished goods produced here to their customers in whole Pakistan and to the Karachi Port for export to other countries. The workforce, suppliers, and visitors coming to the Hub industrial area, Marble City, and Giddani, vender would use this cheaper, safe & reliable mode of transport daily basis. Railway links would remarkably reduce the traffic load, especially the load of heavy Commercial traffic load on N-5, reducing traffic hazards, road accidents, traffic congestion, and road deterioration due to heavy traffic and pollution. It would provide a safe, cost-effective means of transport to the tourists and picnickers who come to Giddani every week. The number of picnickers and visitors could multiply a thousand times having this connection.The arrival of visitors in such a high number would provide unlimited customers to the hotels. Shops. Gift shops, Local handicrafts and dresses, Marble Products, Fish and other seafood sellers, Baluchistan’s dates, and dry fruits. New shops and hotels would emerge very fast. |
| Working involved. | Preparation of the proposal and forwarding it to Federal and Provincial Governments for their consideration. Contacting Pakistan Railway. |
| Chamber’s support | Under the directions of President LCCI, the Secretary-General would prepare and forward the proposal to the Prime Minister, Minister for Railway, Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and other authorities to discuss and push the proposal. The chamber’s leadership would meet the authorities to bring the focus of the decision-makers towards this important proposal. |
| Financial implications | PKR 400,000/- on raveling, for meetings, preparation of the proposal, postage, etc. |
| Expected Result | As stated above this project would bring prosperity to the region and would contribute towards ease of business. |
| Result |
SETTING UP OF HUB SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE AT HUB.
| Brief Description and Economic Importance. | LCCI has been proposing a Special Economic Zone in HITE since 2012.Since the year 2012, foreseeing the massive potential for local and foreign investment due to CPECThe Special Economic Zone would be a game changer it would bring direct and indirect employment and business opportunities to this district and the province. Now it is all set to launch the SEZ commercially. LIEDA is the executing Authority for this project.LCCI is monitoring the progress and will put effort into launching the project as soon as possible for the industrial boom for this area & and the province. |
| Working involved. | Meetings with LIEDA, Ministry, other Federal and Provincial authorities for the quick startup with all the required amenities so that the industries could start manufacturing operations in the SEZ in the minimum possible time. |
| Chamber’s support | The Chamber in close coordination with LIEDA would keep follow-up at various government levels for launching the project at the earliest. The Chamber would pursue in the forums including the Board of Investment and Trade Balochistan and Balochistan Special Economic Zones and Industrial Estates Development & Management Company where Chamber represents in the boards of these forums. |
| Financial implications | Transportation charges and other expenses on meetings, presentations, and awareness sessions about the project, etc. may be estimated at Rs. 300,000/-. |
| Expected Result | Benefits of essential supporting amenities to small, medium, and large-scale enterprises to grow and flourish in the global marketplace place bringing all-round socio-economic prosperity to the Province of Balochistan. We expect that with the completion of this project, a large number of industries will be set up thus creating a large number of employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers.Revenue generation for the National Exchequer would be multiplied. |
| Result |
SETTING UP OF SEAFOOD CITY AT DHAM.
| Brief Description and Economic Importance. | Dham is a small town in Tehsil Sonmiani of Lasbela District having a small population of fishermen. There is one fish processing unit and a prawn research center.There is great potential in the coastal area around this town to have a heavy quantity of quality fish.Provision of infrastructure facilities to establish a Sea Food City in this Town will create opportunities for investors to set up fish processing plants thus giving an incentive to local fishermen to increase their capability to catch quality fish in the required quantity. In this way, the economic activities will increase thereby benefiting the local people. |
| Working involved. | Project is viable, subject to the availability of proper infrastructure. The SMEDA in collaboration with LIEDA and LCCI has prepared a concept paper and submitted it to the Government of Balochistan.The Government of Balochistan has assigned the work of setting up Sea Food City to LIEDA at Dham, Lasbela. The Chamber would pursue and follow up on the project |
| Human Resource | The Chamber’s office bearers would extend their support and cooperation to pursue the matter.Secretary General with the help of PRO to coordinate with LIEDA and the Government of Balochistan. |
| Financial implications | Transportation charges and other expenses on this project may be estimated at Rs. 100,000/-. |
| Expected Result | Setting up the Fish Processing Units Setting up the Fish and shrimp Farms.The local fishermen would get modern fishing boats and trawlers and may be inclined towards using modern fishing techniques.It will help stop the use of illegal nets for fishing.It will contribute to increasing the membership of the Chamber. |
| Result |
SETTING UP OF DATE CITY AT HUB.
| Brief Description and Economic Importance. | The annual production of dates in Pakistan is estimated at around 550,000 tons. It is the fifth largest dates-producing country in the world.Out of the total production of dates in Pakistan, about 200,000 tons are produced in Balochistan.Only 86,000 tons are exported and the rest is either consumed or perished due to the absence of proper processing facilities.After proper processing, the exports may be enhanced up to $200 million. In this way, the economic activities will increase thereby benefiting the local people. |
| Working involved. | Prepared the concept paper for setting up of Date City at Hub and presented it to the Government of Balochistan for further processing. Visits to Turbat, Khuzdar, and other date-producing areas to have meetings with the growers to find the viability of the project. The Chamber would table this proposal at various forums including the Board of Investment and Trade Balochistan to get the approval at the government level to take up this beneficial project at a fast pace |
| Human Resource | The Chamber’s office bearers, including the representative at BOI Balochistan would extend their support and cooperation to pursue the matter.Secretary General with the help of PRO to coordinate with the Government of Balochistan. |
| Financial implications | Transportation charges and other expenses on this project may be estimated at Rs. 350,000/-. |
| Expected Result | Setting up Date Processing Units.Will help to promote and develop a well-organized date cultivation and date processing industry.Will help enhance entrepreneurship in the local growers.Will provide direct and indirect employment of thousands of skilled and unskilled workers.Will help to increase the export of date manifolds with competitive prices thus earning a huge amount of foreign exchange. It will contribute to increasing the membership of the Chamber. |
| Result |
BUILDING OF DUAL CARRIAGEWAY OF NORTHERN BYPASS BY NHA;
| Brief Description and Economic Importance. | On request of the Chamber in 2004, the NHA completed the Northern Bye Pass to link Karachi and Hub and onwards to Gawader and Quetta through the RCD Highway. Due to its single carriageway however, many fatal accidents took place and with the increase of traffic, many such accidents are likely to occur.The Chamber, therefore, suggested making this Highway duel carriageway to cater to the requirements of increasing traffic flow. |
| Working involved | Representations to the Sindh Provincial management of NHA at Karachi and Head Quarters at Islamabad have been forwarded explaining the importance of the Project.Meetings have also been held with the Project Director of KNBP of NHA to suggest the project and to take short-term measures to avoid accidents.NHA has in principle agreed to the proposal and they have completed their homework. The government has approved the Project and with the allocation of funds, the same may be executed. |
| Human Resource | The Chamber’s office bearers and if needed the Chamber’s delegation will keep continuous liaison with NHA to start the project and complete the same in time. |
| Financial implications | Estimated Transportation Charges and other expenses of the delegation during the stay in Islamabad Rs.100,000/- |
| Expected Result | The work on project of building duel carriageway at Northern Bye Pass may be started soon after the allocation of funds by the Government. This would facilitate the safe moment of heavy and light traffic coming from Sindh and going from Balochistan.May ultimately cater to the increasing traffic between Karachi and Hub and onward to Sonmiani and Gawader Ports in the wake CEPC.May provide an incentive for the industrial and commercial investment in Lasbela District. |
| Result |
Environmental issues and setting up sewerage Water Treatment Plant at HUB
| Brief Description and economic importance. | In order to get immunity from Environmental issues and to ensure compliance of Environmental laws by the industries, LCCI would continue its efforts in collaboration with EPA Lasbela to assist the industries to comply with the EPA laws and regulations, including putting up the effluent treatments where ever necessary. |
| Result |
SETTING UP OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY AT HUB:
| Brief Description and Economic Importance. | To get immunity from Environmental issues and to facilitate the exports of the products manufactured in Lasbela, it has been planned to set up a Solid Waste Management Facility at Hub with the help of the Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan.There is no site or facility available at the Hub Industrial area or Gaddani Ship Breaking Yard to dispose of the solid waste generated from shipbreaking yards and industries. On the request of the Chamber, the Ministry of Climate Change would help to arrange the setting up of this facility at Hub that may cater to the needs of both industries and ship breaking yard at Gaddnai. UNDP Switzerland-based Consultants with the help of the Ministry of Climate Change and the Chamber have prepared the survey report and the project proposal. The project has been designed for US$ 30 million.With the help of EPA Balochistan and the Balochistan Development Authority, LIEDA has allocated land for this purpose.With the help of the Federal and Provincial Governments, the facility may be set up with funding from international donors including UNDP for which two donors conferences have been arranged by the Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan. |
| Working involved | The Chamber’s Consultant M/s. Global Environmental Management Services (GEMS) have arranged the initial survey by the experts from the Consultants of UNDP on this issue.The data regarding the type and quantity of solid waste generated by the industries and ship-breaking yards have been collected and compiled enabling the Consultants to design the facility. The Project has been designed and referred to the EPA Balochistan for further processing. Chamber’s role is to coordinate with consultants, LIEDA, and Federal, Provincial, and Local Government. . |
| Financial implications | The estimated cost of arranging meetings and preparing presentations of the Project, visits of the Chamber’s delegation to the Ministry of Climate Change, Islamabad, EPA Balochistan, Quetta, members’ meetings, etc. to create awareness about the issue will cost about: Rs.500,000/-. |
| Expected Result | On persuasion of the Chamber, land has been allocated for this project. For funding. EPA and BDA are working with the donor agencies. The setting up of the facility may result in getting international immunity from environmental issues.It may also serve as an incentive for further investment in the region. |
| Result |
RESOLVING THE WATER CRISES AT HUB AND GADDANI;
| Brief Description and economic importance. | For the last two years, Hub City and Gaddani have been suffering from the shortage of water from the Huh Dam. Recent rains have topped up the Hub dam but water is not available to the industry and the people of the area as per requirement.Due to this scarcity of water both the public and industries are compelled to purchase water from the water tankers by spending huge amounts of rupees thus leaving the extra burden on the poor people of Hub. This extra expense on water also badly affects the cost of production of the industries.To resolve this problem the LCCI suggested increasing the share of water from Hub Dam for this area because the distribution formula was agreed in 1981 when the population of this City was only a few thousand. Now it has increased many folds and the consumption has increased with the same ratio.The Chamber also suggested laying an exclusive pipeline from Hub Dam to the LIEDA reservoir to save water from theft, seepage, and evaporation losses.It was also suggested to set up a water desalination plant at Gaddani. |
| Working involved | LCCI has filed a petition in the High Court of Balochistan for the increase in water share for Balochistan from Hub Dam. The Honorable High Court of Balochistan advised both the Governments of Sindh and Balochistan to resolve this issue amicably. LCCI is suggesting the laying of an exclusive pipeline from Hub Dam to the LIEDA reservoir and the setting up of a seawater desalination plant at Gaddani, as an alternate source.For this purpose, the Government of Balochistan has to be pursued to take the initiative for this project. . |
| Human Resource | The Office Bearers, Secretary General, and the staff will be involved in the work, by way of having representations and meetings with the Chief Minister and concerned ministers of Balochistan. |
| Financial implications | Estimated cost of arranging meetings and preparing presentations of the Project, visits of Chamber’s delegation to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and concerned Ministers and other relevant departments at Quetta to pursue the matter will cost about: Rs.500,000/-. |
| Expected Result | Ensuring the availability of increased volume of water from Hub Dam to the public and industries of Hub and Gaddani.Ensuring the availability of alternative sources of water for this area.It may also serve as an incentive for further investment in the region. |
| Result |
On-Going Activities
MEETING WITH MANAGER AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE MEMBERS.
| Brief Description and economic importance. | Annually, Chamber organizes meeting of Managers, Executives with the representatives of the authorities. This facilitates for better understanding of rules, briefing of changes if any, and resolving the issues and problems of the industry Government agencies like EOBI, BESSI, LIEDA, Labor, City Government, Police etc. in February/March every year. |
| Working involved | Chamber would invite the member to attend the meetings. g.The President will invite the City Administrator, DPO, DCO and Government Officers of various agencies posted in Lasbela District to attend the meeting.Chamber would invite government officials from different departments who would update the members on any change in the rules and regulations.Managers and Officers would have the opportunity to put their quarries for the understanding of laws and rules from the concerned Government functionaries, present on the occasion. |
| Human Resource | The president will invite the Members, DCO, DPO, Chairman, Union Council, Hub, and Government Officers posted in Lasbela District.The Secretary-General would contact the member to compile the problems, issues, and quarries from the members and prepare a draft working paper to provide a basis for discussion.The PRO will supervise the question/answer session and make the required arrangements.The PRO will invite the Press. |
| Financial implications | The estimated cost of every meeting Rs.200, 000/-, which may be met from the chamber’s income from members’ subscriptions and charges for other services. |
| Expected Result | Development of good working relations between the members and the Government functionaries under the auspices of the Chamber.The members may update themselves with the latest legal amendments if any and its implications. |
| Result |
Pre-Budget Proposals and post-budget feedback of the Business & Industrial Sector.
| Brief Description and Economic Importance. | Every year, before the announcement of the Federal Budget, the Chamber starts gathering the Budget proposal from the members to forward them to the Ministry of Finance to include in the Finance bill.On the announcement of the Federal Budget, the members are invited to inform the Chamber about any discrepancies in the levies of direct and indirect taxes.The Chamber would organize a budget seminar with the collaboration of the office of the Inland Revenue Commissioner at Hub and Customs Collectorate, in which the speakers explain the changes in Income Tax, Sales Tax, and Customs Laws announced in the Budget and the implications on the business. Alternatively, if the situation doesn’t allow a meeting, the feedback of the members would be obtained through mail and would be forwarded to the Govt.The Chamber would organize this Seminar in the second half of every year. |
| Working involved | The Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Hub and Quetta, and the Customs Collectorate at Hub and Quetta will be approached to collaborate with the Chamber by way of providing competent speakers on various issues.The date and program of the seminar will be finalized in consultation with the above offices.The Commissioner, Inland Revenue, Quetta, and Collector of Customs MCC, Quetta will be invited as Chief Guest. The members would be invited to attend the seminar. |
| Human Resource | The Secretary General will approach the Commissioner, of Inland Revenue at Hub and Quetta to chalk out the program.The PRO and other staff will invite the members to participate in the seminar and will make seminar arrangements. |
| Financial implications | The estimated cost of dissemination of information and arrangements in every seminar: is Rs. 300,000/-, which may be met from the chamber’s income from members subscriptions and charges for other services. |
| Expected Result | Member awareness would enhance taxation laws and the change in them.The members may forward and discuss the proposals for improvement of the system. |
| Result |
Liaison with Law Enforcing Agencies.
| Brief Description and Economic Importance. | A peaceful business environment is necessary for the smooth running of business activity. It is inevitable to have a very close coordination with Law enforcement agencies of the district and the province. The Chamber would continue its cooperation with the Lasbela District Police Department, High Police Officials, and other law enforcement agencies in the region.Meetings would be conducted with officials of Police, FC, and district management to develop a close coordination network for a peaceful environment in the area. |
| Working involved | The IG/PPO or DIG/RPO, DPO and their officers including the SHOs of concerned Police Stations would be invited |
| Human Resource | Guest would be invited by the President and by the Secretary General on the instructions and guidance of the President at a suitable date. Deputy Secretary/ PRO would make all arrangement and media coverage. |
| Financial implications | The estimated cost of this meeting Rs. 300,000/-, which may be met from the chamber’s income from members’ subscriptions and charges for other services. |
| Expected Result | Good connections with the Police and other agencies would help to maintain a peaceful business-friendly atmosphere. |
| Result |
COORDINATION OF INDUSTRIES WITH LIGHT ENGINEERING UPGRADATION CENTRE, (LEUC) HUB.
| Brief Description and Economic Importance. | Light Engineering Upgradation Centre was an initiative of LCCI. Work on this center was started in the year 2009 by the Technology Upgradation and Skill Development Company (TUSDEC), Ministry of Production, Government of Pakistan. It is operational since 2017. .The services the LEUC provides include the repairing of machines and equipment, measurement, hardness testing, plastic molding works, and making of machinery parts and related works. And, Training to the capable local youths and on-the-job training to the industry workers.Initially government supported the Centre financially. Eventually Centre has to be self-sufficient concerning revenue generation and meeting its expenses. The Project is valuable for industries that can save their money and time rendered to repair their equipment as well as to conduct various tests. They may avail the facility of enhancing the capacity of their workers through on-the-job training at the center. Local technical Human resources are being developed. |
| Working involved | The president and Chairmen of LCCI, Labor, infrastructure, industries and human resources sub-committees of the Chamber would continue to create awareness of the facilities at LEUC so that industries could benefit at the maximum. The Secretary General attends the board meetings of the Centre. Three members of the Chamber are also on the Institute Management Committee. |
| Human Resources | The Office Bearers and Chairman of LCCI, Labor, infrastructure, industries and human resources sub-committees of the Chamber will provide the guidelines to run the affairs of the Centre.The Secretary-General and staff will arrange the meetings of industries with LEUC management.The PRO will arrange the logistics for the meetings and presentations. |
| Financial implications | The estimated cost of each meeting with the Diplomats is estimated to be at Rs. 350,000/-, which may be met from the chamber’s income from members subscription and charges for other services. |
| Expected Result | Ensuring satisfactory technical services to the industries at a reasonable cost and within the agreed time limit. Ensuring the availability of trained workers to the requirements of industries. Ensuring to create confidence amongst the local youths concerning the capability and economic empowerment thus creating a healthy social environment. |
| Result |
(Anjum R. Khan)
Secretary General