Ayesha Saba

The government is working to make special economic zones (SEZs) more attractive to foreign investors. Measures include a one-window facility, deregulation, visa facilitation, and assured provision of utilities, aimed at creating a business-friendly environment.

In an exclusive interview with Wealth Pakistan, Jamshed Ahmed, Investment and Industrial Specialist, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, said: “Now we are focusing on private sector involvement and business-to-business cooperation in SEZs.”

He said logistical and power supply issues facing the SEZs have been resolved through a new policy approved by the Cabinet Committee on Energy. “The policy establishes a formal mechanism which, for the first time, enables SEZs to access bulk electricity, ensuring uninterrupted power for industrial operations.”

Ahmed added that firms from China, Germany, Canada, and other countries were partnering with local industries in Faisalabad and Sheikhupura SEZs. The Ministry of Planning official highlighted that while priority sectors have been identified, foreign investors are welcome in any sector they find viable.

“Beyond fiscal incentives already in place, the government is offering special facilitation for joint ventures and foreign direct investment to ensure a smooth business environment in SEZs.”  “Allama Iqbal Industrial City has successfully attracted Chinese and Western investors in textiles, home appliances, and mobile manufacturing due to the industrial estate’s easy access to raw materials and skilled labour.

Likewise, SEZs in other provinces are aligned with sectoral strengths. While the government has identified priority sectors such as agriculture, mines and minerals, information technology, textiles, chemicals, and petrochemicals, foreign investors are encouraged to invest in any sector they find viable,” he said.

Additionally, the Ministry of Planning official said that Pakistan and China are engaged in discussions on hydropower expansion, pump storage development, and coal-to-gasification projects. An official from the Board of Investment (BOI) told WealthPK on condition of anonymity that the board continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating Chinese investors under CPEC.

“The Project Management Unit for CPEC-ICDP (Industrial Cooperation Development Programme) is leading this role. Our focus is to ensure Chinese businesses find a seamless environment in Pakistan,” the official said. He said a key development in this regard is the launch of the business facilitation centre. “The centre is envisioned as a ‘one-window operation’ to cut through bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Investors, who previously faced lengthy delays in obtaining NOCs, licences, and regulatory approvals, will now be able to complete the process in just two streamlined visits, one for registration and information, and another for direct facilitation with experts,” the BOI official said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk