Islamabad, Dec 15: The Sindh government is set to establish two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Karachi to encourage Chinese investors to collaborate with local businesses and set up industries, announced Provincial Minister for Energy, Planning, and Development, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah. Speaking at the 10th Beauty, Fitness, and Consumer Health International Expo at Expo Centre Karachi, the minister emphasized the city’s growing importance as a commercial hub amid global trade shifts.
With several countries seeking alternatives to direct imports from China, Pakistan is poised to become a key player in the global supply chain. Nasir Hussain Shah urged Pakistani businesses to capitalize on these opportunities by partnering with Chinese counterparts and boosting exports under the “Made-in-Pakistan” brand.
The provincial government is also focused on upgrading infrastructure in Karachi’s industrial zones, granting them financial and administrative autonomy to foster sustainable growth. In the energy sector, Shah highlighted the approval of a low tariff of 3.5 cents per unit for a planned solar park, expected to deliver affordable electricity to Karachi and Sindh residents in phases. Efforts to empower local governments further are also underway, with new legislation being drafted for this purpose.
The four-day expo, featuring over 2,000 brands and 350 companies from seven countries, including China, the USA, Korea, and Turkey, reflects Pakistan’s growing appeal for foreign investment. Executive Director of Ecommerce Gateway Muhammad Uzair Nizam noted that the event, which is expected to generate $20 million in revenue, underscores Pakistan’s positive global image and highlights opportunities in emerging sectors like beauty, fitness, and consumer health.
With initiatives like these SEZs and robust participation in international expos, Sindh is positioning itself as a vital hub for trade, innovation, and economic development.