Sindh pledges support to Vanaspati manufacturers

KARACHI: The Sindh government has pledged full support to Vanaspati manufacturers, especially those from Punjab, to set up industries in Karachi. Speaking at the general body meeting of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) on Thursday, Sindh Minister for Industry and Commerce Jam Ikram Dharejo highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering industrial growth through infrastructure development and improved utility services.

“The establishment of industrial zones is underway, and ensuring security and a business-friendly environment for industrialists is a top priority,” said Dharejo at the event. The PVMA meeting included prominent industry leaders such as Chairperson of the PVMA Sheikh Umer Rehan, Senior Vice Chairperson Asjad Arif, Vice Chairperson Khalid Islam. The meeting also had Masood Parvez, Basit Ikram, Mian Naveed, Awais Karni, Hamid Ali Malik, Samin Jan, Kynat Raza, Hamid Waheed, Ahmed Ghulam Hussain, and other manufacturers from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in attendance.

Minister Dharejo commended Sheikh Umer Rehan for his leadership, noting that many of his initiatives during his time at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) had been implemented to benefit the business community. He assured the attendees that the Sindh government is prioritising solutions to key challenges, such as infrastructure development and water scarcity, to facilitate industrial investment.

“Manufacturers from Punjab and KP have shown substantial interest in setting up industries in Karachi, and we are committed to providing the necessary support,” Dharejo added, emphasising that the Sindh government, under the chief minister, is actively working to create a favourable business environment.

PVMA Chairperson Sheikh Umer Rehan expressed his gratitude to the Sindh minister for his participation, noting the growing interest among manufacturers in investing in Karachi’s industrial zones. “Several of our members have already established industries in Sindh, and with better infrastructure and affordable utility facilities, we can further boost investment,” he said.

Rehan praised the government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of global palm oil price increases, adding that the PVMA aims to minimise the impact on consumers. However, he urged the government to reduce taxes and duties to help the industry offer edible oils and ghee at more affordable prices.

He also announced PVMA’s intention to engage with the finance minister and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to ensure a steady supply of ghee and oil at reasonable prices. Rehan emphasised the need to streamline the supply chain and reduce production costs, suggesting a review of tax exemptions granted to Fata/Pata regions to avoid market distortions.

“If global edible oil prices stabilise, we will be able to offer further relief to consumers,” Rehan assured, adding that the PVMA will continue setting prices with people’s purchasing power in mind.