Sindh to start work on new special economic zone under CPEC on July 15

SEZ to provide environment for investors for setting up new industrial units

Karachi: The Sindh government has announced that work will begin on July 15, 2023, to build the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to be constructed in Thatta District near Karachi under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The announcement was made by the Special Assistant to Sindh Chief Minister on Investment and Public Private Partnerships, Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, while speaking at a press conference.

Qamar informed journalists that Dhabeji SEZ would provide an ideal environment for prospective foreign and local investors for setting up new industrial units given its proximity to Port Qasim of Karachi, main railway tracks, and Karachi International Airport.

He said the prospective investors wouldn’t be required to pay any duty on the import of machinery for setting up assembly plants at the Dhabeji SEZ whereas they would also be offered a 10-year income tax holiday.

He said the Sindh government would build the Dhabeji SEZ under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode of development meaning that instead of spending public money the selected private partner would build the entire infrastructure of the new industrial zone.

He told media persons that the provincial government under the PPP mode had successfully undertaken a number of mega development schemes, including the project to extract Thar coal for electricity generation.

The CM’s aide informed the journalists that Dhabeji SEZ to be built on 1500 acres area would attract a number of local and foreign investors due to special incentives offered by the government.

He said it was the utmost resolve of the Sindh government to promote industrialisation and investment in the province for generating ample job opportunities for the masses.

Also speaking on the occasion, Sindh Information Minister, Sharjeel Inam Memon, told media persons that all the required approvals and formalities for setting up industries at the Dhabeji SEZ would be completed in a swift manner under a one-window operation to facilitate the investors.