Islamabad — Pakistan has witnessed a major boost in industrial development with the number of approved Special Economic Zones (SEZs) jumping from just seven to 44 in the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This dramatic increase, including the notification of 37 new SEZs, reflects strong coordination led by the Board of Investment (BoI) and marks a key milestone in CPEC 2.0’s focus on industry-led growth.
The surge was highlighted during a high-level briefing on Friday, where Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh reviewed progress on industrial cooperation and SEZ development under CPEC Phase-II.
Key Highlights
- Approved SEZs rise sharply from 7 to 44 under CPEC 2.0.
- 37 new SEZs notified through coordinated efforts by the Board of Investment.
- Progress on major projects: Karachi Industrial Park (KIP), Gilgit-Baltistan SEZ, and Land Lease Policy approved for Bin Qasim Industrial Park (BQIP).
- Utilities now being provided to SEZs to shift them from planning to operational stage.
- CPEC Industrial Cooperation aligns with government’s “Uraan Pakistan” 5Es Framework for exports, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.
- 2026 will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties with special investment-focused events.
The BoI, as lead agency for the Joint Working Group on Industrial Cooperation (counterpart: China’s National Development and Reform Commission), has driven this revival through the Project Management Unit of the CPEC-Industrial Cooperation Development Project (PMU CPEC-ICDP). The long-term plan for CPEC industrial cooperation is now finalised and being rolled out via a structured Action Plan.
APNEC delegation called on Federal Minister for BOI, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh.
Discussions focused on investment climate, SEZs, BFC one-window services, and regulatory reforms.BOI remains committed to investor facilitation.#investinpak #pakistan #BoI pic.twitter.com/P2JLVoVBfW
— Board of Investment, Pakistan (@investinpak) January 6, 2026
Emphasis remains on export-oriented manufacturing, technology transfer, value addition, and joint-venture industrialisation — with SEZs serving as the core platforms for attracting investment and creating jobs.
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Minister Sheikh was briefed on how the government has removed key bottlenecks, such as the Land Lease Policy for BQIP, and is ensuring reliable utilities to make SEZs investor-ready. This proactive approach aims to build a transparent, predictable, and business-friendly environment for both domestic and foreign investors, especially from China.
As Pakistan and China prepare to mark 75 years of friendship in 2026, the BoI has lined up commemorative and investment-promotion initiatives to deepen bilateral ties even further. These efforts reinforce Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable economic progress through strong partnerships and industry-led development under CPEC 2.0.
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