The Livestock & Dairy Development Department, Punjab will facilitate members of Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) in preparing and submitting applications under STEP (Sovereign Tiered Economic Promotion).
It was agreed during a meeting between two sides here on Saturday. The officials of the livestock department met the visiting delegation of PTA. They met to explore opportunities for private sector investment, industrial modernization, value addition and enhanced exports in Punjab’s leather sector. Chairman PTA Malik Muhammad Azam led the delegation.
The programme (STEP) offers financing under three tiers: Tier 1: PKR 1 million to PKR 100 million – Export Financing. Tier 2: PKR 100 million to PKR 1 billion – Inclusive Industrial Growth. And Tier 3: PKR 1 billion to PKR 5 billion – Strategic and High-Value Projects.
The PTA representatives expressed keen interest in leveraging STEP to upgrade tannery infrastructure. And adopt modern technologies, improve effluent treatment facilities and ensure environmental compliance. They showed interest to enhance the international competitiveness of Pakistan’s leather industry.
Livestock department will facilitate PTA members in coordination with the Industries Department and the Bank of Punjab. The officials of the department briefed PTA delegation in detail on the interest-free financing opportunities available under STEP.
Secretary Livestock Ahmad Aziz Tarar said that the leather industry holds significant potential for strengthening Punjab’s export base and generating economic opportunities. He emphasized that the Punjab Government is committed to supporting the modernization, technological advancement and sustainable growth of the sector through targeted initiatives such as STEP.
He further highlighted that interest-free financing under the programme would enable industrial enterprises to enhance productivity, improve quality standards, adopt modern technologies and strengthen their presence in international markets.
Electric Sweeper Truck for Lahore Ring Road Cleaning:
Meanwhile, Punjab government has introduced Pakistan’s first fully electric sweeper truck for road cleaning and washing. Maryam Nawaz, the chief minister of Punjab, inaugurated the truck here on Saturday.
During the briefing, officials informed here that the authorities will use the electric truck for cleaning and washing roads on Lahore Ring Road. The fully electric sweeper/broomer can operate over a range of up to 70 kilometres on a single charge. Its zero-carbon emissions will help reduce environmental pollution, while its operation will also minimise dust on roads.
