By Dr Ansab Ali — Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The value-added and export-oriented textile industry has expressed high expectations from newly appointed Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company (PIEDMC) Chairman Shahzad Azam Khan, saying his extensive experience as an industrialist, exporter and industry association leader could provide fresh momentum to industrial estate development, investment and export-oriented manufacturing in Punjab.

Shahzad Azam Khan has assumed charge as Chairman of PIEDMC, bringing extensive experience in the industrial, export and value-added textile sectors. He has served as Central Chairman of the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA), former Chairman of the Pakistan Knitwear and Sweater Exporters Association (PAKSEA), and former Minister for Labour, Government of Punjab.

He has also remained associated with PIEDMC and the Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company (FIEDMC).

After assuming charge, Shahzad Azam Khan said PIEDMC would continue working to facilitate industrialists, promote investment and create an enabling environment for industrial growth across Punjab.

He said growing demand from industry presented new opportunities, adding that PIEDMC would focus on developing industrial estates in a manner that supports investors and accelerates industrialisation in the province.

Representatives of the value-added textile and apparel industry said his practical understanding of manufacturing, exports and industrial infrastructure could help address the concerns of the business community and improve coordination between the private sector and PIEDMC.

PHMA North Zone Chairman Abdul Hameed congratulated Shahzad Azam Khan and expressed confidence that his leadership would strengthen coordination between PIEDMC and the export-oriented textile industry.

He said Shahzad Azam Khan’s long experience in the sector would enable him to better understand the operational challenges faced by manufacturers and exporters.

Former PHMA Senior Vice Chairman Shafiq Butt said Shahzad Azam Khan was well versed in the requirements of the value-added textile sector and could play an important role in attracting fresh investment and strengthening industrial estates across Punjab.

PRGMEA North Zone Chairman Imran Salahuddin said the readymade garments sector looked forward to closer cooperation with PIEDMC under the new leadership. He stressed the need for efficient industrial infrastructure and a business-friendly environment to support export-oriented manufacturing.

Former PRGMEA Chairman Mubashir Butt described the new leadership at PIEDMC as a positive development for the industrial community and expressed hope that greater attention would be given to the practical needs of industries operating in industrial estates.

The industry representatives said Punjab’s industrial estates could play a greater role in expanding manufacturing capacity, creating employment opportunities and increasing exports if infrastructure, utilities and investor facilitation were continuously improved.

They expressed confidence that Shahzad Azam Khan’s experience as an industrialist, exporter and former industry association leader would help PIEDMC strengthen engagement with the private sector and contribute to sustainable, export-led industrial growth in Punjab.