Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced the launch of the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a transformative project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase 2. With an anticipated investment of $3 billion and the creation of over 100,000 jobs, the zone is expected to redefine Pakistan’s industrial and economic landscape.
Developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by the Sindh government, the project’s memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Karachi in a ceremony attended by government officials, corporate leaders, and Chinese dignitaries. Abdul Azeem Uqaili, CEO of SEZ Management Company (SEZMC); Mohabat Khan, CEO and Chairman of Zahir Khan Brothers (ZKB); and Cheng Qiang of PowerChina International signed the agreement, which is backed by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
Dhabeji SEZ, located near Karachi’s ports, offers unparalleled connectivity to regional trade routes, making it a crucial element of Pakistan’s economic integration with South Asia. Murad Shah highlighted its potential to attract both domestic and international investments, particularly from Chinese firms looking to expand their presence in the region.
“The Dhabeji SEZ is set to transform Pakistan’s economic landscape,” said Murad Shah. He explained that the project would foster industrial growth, reduce dependence on imports, and enhance exports, paving the way for a sustainable and self-reliant economy. Syed Qassim Naveed Qamar, Special Assistant to the CM on Investment and PPPs, elaborated on the zone’s potential.
“This SEZ will create over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, empower local communities, and foster value-added industries,” he said, emphasizing the zone’s ability to drive socioeconomic progress through skills development and employment. The MoU ceremony was attended by Sindh Cabinet members, senior officials, and dignitaries. The project underscores Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen industrial collaboration with China under the CPEC framework and promote long-term economic sustainability. Strategically designed to facilitate foreign direct investment, particularly from China, the Dhabeji SEZ aims to propel Pakistan’s standing in regional trade while boosting domestic industrial capacity. With an emphasis on value addition, the project is expected to stimulate local manufacturing, enhance export potential, and reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported goods.
