Pakistan government accelerates SEZ development for Chinese investors as stated by the Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan.
Minister for Investment and Privatisation Abdul Aleem Khan reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting Chinese investors in Pakistan’s special economic zones (SEZs). He emphasized the need to promptly address issues related to land sale and transfer, highlighting the importance of creating a business-friendly environment.
While chairing a meeting in Lahore focused on SEZ policy, the minister directed the Board of Investment (BoI) to collaborate with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and other relevant authorities to accelerate progress on industrial zones. He also suggested including Chinese diplomats in the next meeting to facilitate collaborative problem-solving.
The discussion particularly addressed long-standing issues faced by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), aiming to resolve these challenges swiftly and efficiently.
Participants were briefed on SEZ policy incentives, such as tax holidays and import duty exemptions. The minister assured Chinese stakeholders of the government’s commitment to resolving inefficiencies under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Senior officials, including the State Bank governor, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary, and CRBC representatives, provided updates on unresolved SEZ matters. These included issues involving Nepra, provincial authorities, and the BoI, many of which had been unresolved for five years.
The minister further prioritized fast-tracking these concerns, describing the meeting as a significant breakthrough for SEZ development. He instructed Peshawar electricity authorities to activate grid connections for industrial zones within three days and directed the State Bank to appoint a focal person to address investors’ concerns.
Moreover, Mr. Khan reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the challenges faced by investors, emphasizing that providing electricity and infrastructure to industrial zones remains a top priority.
This renewed emphasis on SEZs is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to attract foreign direct investment, particularly from China, under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The government envisions SEZs as pivotal to driving economic growth and industrialization.
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