Pakistan has failed to meet its key investment and employment targets under Special Economic Zones (SEZs), according to the government. The shortfall highlights ongoing challenges in industrial growth and foreign investment under major economic initiatives.
Investment and Job Targets Missed
According to Beyond Time News, Investment Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said Pakistan’s goal of attracting over $8 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and creating 500,000 jobs between 2018 and 2024 was not achieved.
He said that so far, only four SEZs have moved beyond the planning stage with partial implementation.
Key Industrial Zones Identified
The operational SEZs are located in:
- Rashakai (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
- Allama Iqbal Industrial City (Punjab)
- Dhabeji (Sindh)
- Bostan (Balochistan)
These zones are part of the broader framework under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Shift Toward Industrial Focus
The minister said Pakistan is now focusing on industrialisation and export-led growth under the next phase of CPEC. He stressed the need to move from an import-heavy economy to one driven by manufacturing and exports.
He also highlighted proposals for joint industrial parks aimed at attracting Chinese investment in sectors such as electronics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and electric vehicles.
Trade Imbalance Concerns
Officials noted that China remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner, but a significant trade imbalance persists. Pakistan’s exports remain around $3 billion annually, while imports from China are much higher, widening the gap.
Pakistan Posts $4.07 Billion Trade Deficit in April as Import Surge Outpaces Export Growth
CPEC Investment and Employment Impact
According to Beyond Time News, CPEC has attracted around $30 billion in realised investment since 2015 and generated over 261,000 jobs across energy, transport, and industrial projects.
However, the government estimates that long-term industrial expansion could still create up to 500,000 jobs if SEZs are fully developed.
Conclusion
Despite major initiatives under CPEC, Pakistan has struggled to meet its SEZ investment and job creation targets. Authorities now say the focus will shift toward improving industrial capacity, exports, and investor confidence in the next phase of development.
