Ahmed Khan Malik

In a significant move aimed at boosting industrial development and attracting investment, the Sindh government plans to develop a state-of-the-art Marble City under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode during the current financial year.

"This initiative aligns with the provincial government’s broader strategy to stimulate economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and harness the natural resources of Sindh in a sustainable manner," Moeez Faisal, Additional Director of Sindh Infrastructure Development Cell, told WealthPK.

The proposed Marble City will be established near Karachi, strategically located to take advantage of the existing infrastructure, port access, and proximity to the major markets. The site has been chosen considering its accessibility and potential to serve as a major industrial and export-oriented hub for processed marble and other dimension stones.

The project will be developed under the auspices of the Sindh Economic Zones Management Company (SEZMC), in collaboration with the Sindh Board of Investment and other relevant departments. "Through the PPP model, the government intends to engage the private sector partners, who will bring in investment, technical expertise, and innovation, while the public sector ensures regulatory support, infrastructure development, and facilitation," he said.

Faisal said the Marble City will house multiple industrial plots, processing units, training facilities, and worker accommodations. The city will provide a dedicated ecosystem for value-added stone processing, cutting, polishing, and export operations. This integrated approach is expected to reduce raw material wastage, improve product quality, and boost exports of finished marble products.

Sindh is rich in natural stone resources, particularly marble and granite, which are currently underutilized due to a lack of modern infrastructure, inadequate investment, and limited access to global markets. "The establishment of Marble City aims to address these challenges by providing a dedicated zone with modern utilities, shared facilities, and business-friendly policies," he said. Faisal informed WealthPK that a feasibility study and environmental impact assessment had already been completed for the project.

The government is now moving toward inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from the private developers and investors who are keen to participate in the PPP framework. This will be followed by a transparent bidding process to select the most qualified partners. The industrialists have welcomed the initiative, calling it a timely step toward industrial diversification.

“By focusing on value addition and exports, the Marble City can significantly enhance Sindh’s contribution to Pakistan’s overall economic growth,” said Wajahat Siddiqui, Executive Member of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI). Moreover, the project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

It will also offer vocational training to develop a skilled workforce specialized in stone processing technologies, he said. The Sindh government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, investor facilitation, and sustainable industrial development. With the launch of Marble City, the province is poised to become a key player in the regional and international marble trade.

Credit: INP-WealthPk