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This region and particularly its capital city, Peshawar has historically been an important trade route to Central Asia and beyond it to entire Europe. in ancient times, this region had been host to the Greeco-Buddhist Gandhara civilization and had great significance from strategic and economic point of view. Before 1947 it was part of India then ruled by British. The NWFP was the junction of trade routes linking it to Central Asia, Afghanistan, Indian Sub-Continent, China and the Near East. During cold war period this strategically important area remained under heightened super powers tension.

Due to its proximity with Afghanistan this region economically suffered in the war against terrorism. Area-wise this Province covers 74521 sq. kilometers or 9.5 percent of the total land area of Pakistan. Another 27220 sq. kilometers is accounted for its adjoining tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. The population of the Province is estimated in 1994 at around 16.8 million and that of the tribal territories at 3.3 million. Being home to some of the world’s towering peaks, mighty mountains, majestic passes, enchanting rivers, lush-green forests, historical sites, the region offers one of the most beautiful panorama in this part of the world. Some of the places like Chitral, Gilgit, Kaghan, Dir, Swat and Northern Areas are God-gifted treasures of striking natural beauty worth seeing. These scenic parts are linked by road and by air providing luxurious stay to the tourists in a cool and serene atmosphere. The sight of some of the world’s majestic peaks such as K-2, Tirchmir, Bramsher, Nanga Parbat and others adds to fascinations with magical charm. These areas offer lot of potential for tourism and related ventures. The NWFP has all the modern comforts and facilities ranging from latest model automobile to the most modern aircraft.

On the industrial and commercial side, the region is fast moving on the path of rapid industrialization and mercantile activity with a total of 2100 industrial units of all sizes functioning across the Province.

A number of multinational companies have invested in some of the projects. Similarly, some of the projects are run under joint ventures. At present 10 industrial estates including small industrial estates are fully operating having all the infrastructure such as electricity, water, telephone, communication, gas, banking and similar other facilities. Moreover, an Export Processing Zone is operative at Risalpur town near Peshawar providing “One Window” facilities to the international investors. Its basic objectives are to boost up industrialization by encouraging foreign and local investments, promote export-oriented industries, generate employment and develop industrial skills and promote maximum use of indigenous raw material. The region being gateway to Central Asia is linked with it through land route via Afghanistan and is distant-wise shorter to the European states as compared to Karachi, the port city of Pakistan. This proximity and locational advantage offer great scope for foreign investment. The NWFP is rich with the world’s finest timber, marble, mineral deposits and huge water reservoirs for hydel power. The precious and semi-precious stones notably ruby, emeralds, aquamarine and topaz and other varieties and found in this Province have world-wide fame and are exported to foreign markets because of their lasting beauty and non-fading magic.

A glance at the industrial scene unveils a large network of industries such as textiles, chipboard, plastic goods, garments, leather, finest quality garments, match etc. A well-established pharmaceutical industry is fully operating involving both local and multinational companies. To meet growing transport demand, recently production of motor rickshaw started. Food, beverages and tobacco have the leading position followed by textile and leather sub-sector.

Today’s industrial progress and achievements within short span of time can be described as phenomenal. There are vast markets for investments in gemstones, minerals, hydel power projects, small, medium and large-scale industries, agriculture, tourism and other sectors. Similarly, there is wide scope for joint ventures available to foreign entrepreneurs in a territory rich of natural wealth with plenty of still unexplored resources and where nature speaks in abundance awaiting more and more industrial ventures in different fields.

Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), a well established premier forum of the entrepreneurs and businessmen can provide you all the necessary help and guidance for joint ventures in the industrial and economic sector in this region that has assumed added significance after re-opening of land routes to Central Asia connecting this Province with European states.

Mr. Haji Muhammad Asaf
President
Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Peshawar