The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has issued a pressing appeal to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) provincial government, urging the immediate release of allocated funds to complete the long-stalled Peshawar Expo Centre project. This call to action highlights a critical bottleneck in a development seen as vital for the region's economic and trade prospects.
A Project Mired in Delays
In a recent communication, SCCI President Fuad Ishaq formally requested the KPK Chief Minister and the relevant provincial minister to prioritize the disbursement of funds for the expo centre. The project, envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility for exhibitions and trade fairs, has faced significant delays, preventing its completion and operationalization.
The chamber's leadership emphasized that the expo centre is not merely a construction project but a strategic investment in KPK's economic future. It is designed to provide a permanent, modern venue for local and international trade exhibitions, which are crucial for boosting business activity, attracting investment, and showcasing the province's industrial and commercial potential.
The Economic Imperative
The SCCI argues that completing the Peshawar Expo Centre is an urgent economic necessity. In his appeal, Fuad Ishaq underscored that a functional expo centre would act as a powerful catalyst for trade and commerce across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It would create a dedicated space for businesses to network, display products, and forge new partnerships, both domestically and with international buyers.
The facility is expected to significantly reduce the reliance on temporary or inadequate venues for trade events, thereby elevating the standard and frequency of such gatherings. This, in turn, is projected to stimulate various ancillary industries, including hospitality, logistics, and services, generating employment and economic activity.
A Call for Government Action
The chamber's request puts the ball firmly in the government's court. The SCCI has clearly outlined that the release of the already earmarked funds is the final hurdle preventing the project's inauguration. The delay in completion is seen as a missed opportunity for the region's business community, which is eager to utilize the platform to expand its reach.
By highlighting this issue, the SCCI is performing its role as a key stakeholder and advocate for the business sector, pressing the authorities to fulfill their commitments to infrastructural development. The completion of the Peshawar Expo Centre is framed as a test case for the government's dedication to fostering a pro-business environment and supporting tangible projects that promise direct economic benefits.
The business community in Peshawar and surrounding regions now awaits a decisive response from the KPK government. The timely release of funds to complete the expo centre could mark a pivotal step towards unlocking new avenues for trade, investment, and economic growth in the province, finally bringing a long-awaited project to fruition.
