Pink Salt: Punjab Launches Financing Scheme to Boost Exports and Jobs

LAHORE: Pink Salt received a major boost as Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif digitally launched the Chief Minister Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme, a flagship initiative designed to expand the province’s pink salt industry, create employment opportunities and increase Pakistan’s exports. She also announced the establishment of a 110-acre Pink Salt Mineral Processing Zone near Quaidabad to accelerate industrial growth.

During a briefing at the launch ceremony, officials said the proposed processing zone will accommodate more than 200 industrial units. The project is expected to attract around $150 million in investment and create approximately 10,000 direct employment opportunities. Authorities will also establish a Business Facilitation Centre and a model retail outlet to provide investors with business support and promote the industry’s development.

Officials said new investors will be eligible for interest-free loans ranging from Rs5 million to Rs50 million to finance pink salt processing, grinding, refining, cleaning and packaging facilities. The government has set a five-year repayment period to encourage investment in value-added production and modern processing.

According to the briefing, value addition in the pink salt sector could generate up to $300 million in annual foreign exchange earnings. Officials added that the first phase of the initiative received bids worth Rs471 million, while the second phase has so far attracted offers totalling Rs2.5 billion. They also said the Mines and Minerals Department has significantly increased government revenue by digitising lease and licence auctions.

Addressing the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz said the Chief Minister Pink Salt Value Addition Financing Scheme will create new employment opportunities, increase government revenue and strengthen Pakistan’s position in international markets by expanding exports of value-added pink salt products.

She said the initiative will significantly increase exports of packaged, processed and decorative pink salt products, adding that Pakistani pink salt will now carry the “Made in Pakistan” label to enhance its global identity.

The chief minister described the country’s natural resources as a national trust and pledged to protect them with complete transparency and integrity. She said Punjab possesses some of the world’s finest pink salt reserves and noted that Pakistani pink salt enjoys an outstanding international reputation because of its unique mineral composition and premium quality.

Maryam Nawaz also invited local and international investors to submit online applications through the Mines and Minerals Department’s official website to benefit from the financing scheme and investment opportunities.