Ayesha Saba

Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is being built as part of the second phase of the China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is focused on industrial cooperation. The initiative would bring industrialisation back to the Karachi region, and directly or indirectly create employment opportunities, experts said. Abdul Azeem Uqaili, Chief Executive Officer of Special Economic Zones Management Company (SEZMC), said while talking to WealthPK that under the umbrella of this project, initially four sectors including light industry (furniture, garments, electrical, textiles), halal industry (halal foods, personal care, soft drinks), medium industry (vehicle assembly, auto parts, warehousing and engineering equipment) and large industry (chemicals, foundries, oils) will install their plants.

“The proposed investment is expected to boost the manufacturing, logistics, and services industries, as well as other sectors of the economy,” he said. Azeem said the Sindh provincial government has allotted 1,530 acres of land to be developed for Dhabeji Industrial Zone in Thatta district. In this regard, a front desk has been established for international, particularly Chinese investors, to formulate new ventures during the phase of public private partnership. “The federal government has already approved Rs4.3 billion funds to construct a dedicated grid that will provide up to 250MW power, which has to be completed soon,” he said.

“The proximity of Dhabbeji SEZ to the port city of Karachi will offer easy access to national and international markets. This connectivity will provide businesses within the SEZ with opportunities for import or export and enhance collaboration with domestic and foreign partners,” he added. Dr Aliya H Khan, a leading economist and ex-dean of social sciences faculty at Quaid-i- Azam University, told WealthPK that the development of SEZs under CPEC is of tremendous importance to Pakistan's industrial development. “Pakistan needs to take initiatives such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before providing corporate licences to manufacturing and servicing companies in the SEZs," she said.

Dr Aliya said Pakistan needs to coordinate with China at the corporate level for environmental management training so that sustainable economic growth through SEZs can become a reality. She said SEZs have proven to be a successful model for China in its industrialisation, modernisation, and internationalisation. Dhabeji SEZ is located at Dhabeji, Thatta, 50km from Karachi, via the eastern alignment of CPEC (N-5) and M-9. The project site for Dhabeji Industrial Zone is situated close to Bin Qasim Port, but can also be served by Karachi Port. The project is proposed to be implemented in two phases of 750 acres and 780 acres, respectively.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk