Islamabad, November 20, 2024 – Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has instructed officials to promptly identify suitable locations for establishing Model Special Economic Zones (SEZs) aimed at relocating Chinese industries to Pakistan.
Chairing a high-level meeting attended by senior officials and representatives from institutions including the Board of Investment (BOI), Ahsan Iqbal reviewed progress on the initiative. The BOI presented a detailed briefing on potential SEZ sites and the policy framework required to facilitate the transfer of Chinese industries.
The minister emphasized the importance of strengthening government-to-government (G2G) collaboration with China and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to providing land and support for relocating Chinese enterprises. He noted that infrastructure development, market access, and zone management would be overseen by Chinese companies, ensuring efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the necessity of establishing a one-window facility to streamline processes for investors and enhance their ease of doing business. He warned against any delays in equipping the SEZs with essential infrastructure and services, cautioning that negligence in this regard would not be tolerated.
To maintain momentum, the minister mandated monthly review meetings to address concerns raised by Chinese companies and ensure progress on the initiative. He also reassured participants of the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Chinese nationals working in Pakistan.
“We will not allow any entity to disrupt the strong bond of Pakistan-China friendship or hinder our shared development goals,” he stated.
The meeting concluded with directives to expedite actionable plans, reinforcing the government’s vision of leveraging SEZs as catalysts for industrial development and economic growth. The initiative is seen as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s efforts to deepen its economic ties with China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
