Pakistan’s effort to boost investment and create jobs through Special Economic Zones (SEZs) has not fully met its early targets, but it is far from a failure. Speaking at the Pakistan-China Industrialisation Dialogue, Investment Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh acknowledged the gaps while also highlighting the progress made under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Out of nine planned SEZs, four-Rashakai, Allama Iqbal Industrial City, Dhabeji, and Bostan-have moved into partial implementation. This shows that while progress has been slower than expected, the foundation is being laid.
The government deserves support for continuing to push industrial development despite economic and global challenges. Large-scale projects like CPEC take time, careful coordination, and strong planning. Pakistan is now entering the second phase of CPEC, which focuses more on industrialisation, exports, and business partnerships rather than just infrastructure. This shift is important because Pakistan must move from importing goods to producing and exporting value-added products.
One key area where the government’s efforts should be appreciated is its focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SMEs are the backbone of any strong economy because they create jobs, encourage innovation, and support local industries. By linking SMEs with SEZs and CPEC-related projects, Pakistan can create more opportunities for local businesses and workers.
At the same time, stronger and more productive cooperation between Pakistan and China is essential. China has been Pakistan’s largest trading partner for many years, but the trade balance is uneven. Pakistan mainly exports raw materials, while importing expensive machinery and technology. This gap can only be reduced if both countries work together to promote manufacturing in Pakistan, especially in sectors like textiles, electronics, and light engineering.
CPEC Phase II offers a valuable opportunity. With better planning, stronger SME support, and deeper Pakistan-China cooperation, the country can move toward sustainable growth, higher exports, and meaningful job creation in the coming years. *