Development and importance of M-3 Industrial City in Faisalabad.

Byline: MUHAMMAD IBRAHIM YAHYA - Faisalabad

Faisalabad district was first known as Lyallpur district in the early 1900's, when it came into being. This was during the British rule and the city was named in the honour of the Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjab, Sir Charles James Broadwood Lyall. Later in 1970's, the name of the city was changed in the honour of King Faisal (Saudi Arabia), as Faisalabad, during his visit in Islamic summit. Faisalabad is the 3rd largest metropolis city of Pakistan and the major industrial hub. It is also called Manchester of Pakistan because it's the biggest textile city and most of the industries here are related to textiles as same with Manchester in the UK. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has given many opportunities for the business community of Faisalabad, especially for those who are linked with the textile sector. Faisalabad can achieve further economic growth, specifically in the industrial sector by utilising the opportunities available under CPEC. The central location of the city on the eastern route of CPEC, along with its 4500 acres' industrial estate, largest industrial state of Pakistan, located on the main M-3 motorway provides the best opportunities for the setting up of new state-of-the-art industries through joint cooperation with Chinese entrepreneurs.

Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company (FIEDMC) has developed Pakistan's largest industrial estate under the name of 'M-3 Industrial City' spanning over an area of 4356 acres, located on Motorway M-3, near Faisalabad city. M-3 industrial city (M-3IC) offers one window operation, the most important need for the business community, saving valuable time and money of citizens. This one window operation includes allotment of plots, provision of electricity, obtaining of NOCs / permits / registration from different government departments and provides all possible facilitation until the enterprise comes into full production and afterwards.

The development of industrial estate and provision of allied facilities on Sahianwala (M-3) Interchange, Faisalabad, is expected...