FPCCI calls for new industrial zone in Hyderabad

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has raised alarm over the lack of new industrial development in Hyderabad, warning that the population surge is threatening the city's economy and social fabric. Adeel Siddiqui, an FPCCI executive committee member, pointed out that the only industrial zone, SITE Hyderabad, established in 1952, has not been expanded despite the population growth.

The 665 units in SITE, of which 450 are operational, are situated on 1,264 acres and have deteriorated infrastructure, with potholes and broken roads. Water supply, drainage, and treatment plants are also issues in this 74-year-old industrial area. The commercial and real estate value of land in SITE has skyrocketed, making it impractical for new industries to establish themselves.

This has led to industrialists investing heavily in acquiring land, leaving little room for investment in machinery and technology. The FPCCI demands better utilization of the infrastructure cess collected over Rs1.5 trillion from imports over five years, as the funds have not been effectively used to develop new industrial zones.

Siddiqui emphasized that without new, affordable industrial zones, Hyderabad will continue to lose businesses to other cities, accelerating its de-industrialization.