The number of approved Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Pakistan has risen sharply from seven to 44 under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), following the notification of 37 new zones through coordinated efforts led by the Board of Investment (BoI).
The significant increase was disclosed during a briefing on Pakistan’s ongoing engagement with China under CPEC Phase II, with a focus on SEZ-led industrialisation and enhanced Pakistan-China business-to-business cooperation.
The BoI is serving as the lead Pakistani institution for the Joint Working Group on Industrial Cooperation, with China’s National Development and Reform Commission acting as its counterpart.
Since its establishment, the Project Management Unit of the CPEC Industrial Cooperation Development Project (PMU CPEC-ICDP) has played a central role in revitalising Pakistan’s SEZ framework and accelerating approvals.
Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh visited the PMU CPEC-ICDP at the BoI in Islamabad to review progress on industrial cooperation initiatives and SEZ development under CPEC Phase II.
During the briefing, officials highlighted key milestones, including advancements in the Karachi Industrial Park, development initiatives for the Gilgit-Baltistan SEZ, and approval of the Land Lease Policy for Bin Qasim Industrial Park, resolving a long-standing issue faced by investors.
The minister was also briefed on BoI’s facilitation efforts to ensure the provision of utilities to SEZs, enabling their transition from planning to operational readiness.
Officials explained that the long-term plan for CPEC industrial cooperation has been finalised and is being implemented through a structured action plan aligned with CPEC Phase 2.0, which prioritises industry-led growth, export-oriented manufacturing, technology transfer, and value addition.
The briefing further highlighted alignment with the government’s “Uraan Pakistan” 5Es framework, particularly in boosting exports, competitiveness, and sustainable development.
It was also noted that 2026 will mark 75 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, with several investment-focused initiatives planned to deepen bilateral industrial cooperation.
