A meeting of the Public Private Partnership Committee was chaired by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur. The meeting was attended by relevant provincial cabinet members, the Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary, concerned administrative secretaries, and other committee members.
During the meeting, important decisions were made to promote private investment in the province. In-principle approval was granted for the transaction structures of three significant projects under the Public Private Partnership framework. These projects are the Ghanol Integrated Tourism Zone, the Draban Special Economic Zone, and the PDA Commercial Complex.
The Ghanol Integrated Tourism Zone will be established following the Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer (DBOT) model. This tourism zone will provide essential amenities alongside various tourism facilities. The initial lease period for the tourism zone will be 50 years, with an option to extend for an additional 50 years. A mechanism will also be developed for income distribution between the government and the private partner from the Ghanol Integrated Tourism Zone’s revenues.
The establishment of the Ghanol Integrated Tourism Zone is expected to enhance tourism in the area, as well as foster economic and social development. This project will create new job opportunities for the province’s youth while ensuring environmental protection.
The Duraban Special Economic Zone will cover a total area of 1,000 acres, with 722 acres designated for industrial use and 14.26 acres for commercial use. It will be developed in three phases, with a total estimated cost of over Rs. 18 billion. The establishment of the Draband Special Economic Zone is projected to create 40,000 direct employment opportunities and an additional 120,000 indirect jobs.
These initiatives are expected to serve as milestones in promoting industrial, tourism, and commercial activities in the province. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur emphasised that the provincial government is strongly encouraging private sector investment to boost economic activity, stating that the province has a conducive environment for fostering private investment.
He urged that progress on Public Private Partnership projects should be ensured according to the established timelines and called for reforms in the current Public Private Partnership system to boost investor confidence.
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