The Balochis­tan government on Monday declared Bostan Industrial Estate (BIE) an economic zone, making it a part of the western route of China-Pakistan Economic Corr­idor (CPEC).

The decision to give BIE the status of an economic zone was taken in a high level meeting chaired by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo.

Officials concerned were directed to extend basic infrastructure and other required facilities to investors and industrialists on emergency basis in the economic zone.

The meeting was informed that the BIE —established on 1,000 acres of land — would soon have basic infrastructure completed on 200 acres. This would include levelling of land, construction of roads, and supply of water and electricity. These facilities would also be provided on remaining 800 acres.

It was further decided that work would also be completed on the other proposed economic zones soon.

Mr Bizenjo said Balo­chistan would take the benefit of industrial development when local raw materials would be utilised in the industries and jobs will be available for local people.

He deplored that implementation on projects under CPEC was delayed in Balochistan.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Balochistan Aurangzeb Haq, Additional Chief Secretary (Planning and Development) Naseebullah Bazai, Secretary Finance Qamar Masood, Comm­issioner Quetta Division Amjad Ali Khan, Director General Industries Saira Atta and other concerned officials.