The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development & Management Company (KP-EZDMC) has attracted an investment of Rs338 billion - both domestic and international - and created jobs for the province's youth, according to data. Since 2018, KP-EZDMC has been operating 19 economic zones, two special economic zones, and one export processing and economic zone. Out of these 19 zones, nine have been launched during the period of 2018-2022. A significant investment of Rs338 billion has been made in existing and new economic zones, special economic zones, and export processing zones that are being managed by the company. In the current economic and special economic zones, 1,672 industrial units are in operation, according to information shared by officials. There were only five economic zones in Peshawar, Gadoon, Hattar, Nowshera, and Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Nowshera prior to the establishment of KP-EZDMC.

Foreign and domestic investors, particularly Pakistani expatriates, have been drawn to the establishment of the nine new economic zones. In the new economic zones, 347 new units are being built, and 167 sick units have also been revived to give the province's youth employment opportunities. The company's investment-friendly initiatives are helping investors regain confidence, and 363 investors have been assigned industrial plots in existing, new, and special economic zones. The new industrial units' operation and commencement of production would increase job opportunities. Presently, the existing industrial units have employed 101,889 workers, with a male and female disparity ratio of 91% and 9%, respectively.

The company has provided services to 2,850 people from its Industrial Facilitation & Support Desk. For the facilitation of investors and industrialists, the company has declared its estate offices in all economic zones as Industrial Facilitation Centres. Economic zones launched during the period of the current management include Jalozai Economic Zone, Nowshera (Extension), D.I. Khan Economic Zone, Rashakai Special Economic Zone, Chitral Economic Zone, Hattar Economic Zone, Bannu Economic Zone, Ghazi Economic Zone and Mohmand  Economic Zone. Hattar Special Economic Zone and Mohmand Economic Zone are ready for formal launching awaiting confirmation of dates from the chief minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The company is also working on the establishment of five more economic zones in Daraban (D.I. Khan), Salt & Gypsum City (Karak), Buner, Katlang, and Mansehra. Due to the successful endeavours, the role of KP-EZDMC in the development of economic zones has been appreciated throughout the country and the company has been approached by the Balochistan Economic Zones Company for the development of Chaman Economic Zone in their province. The company is also going to establish a women's business park to promote women's entrepreneurship. Women's Business Park is a new concept in PP (Plug & Play) where women can immediately start their businesses.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk