BOI Minister Rolls Out 150 Reforms to Revitalize Special Economic Zones

Islamabad, December 19, 2024 – Abdul Aleem Khan, Federal Minister for the Board of Investment (BOI), has announced the successful completion of a nationwide survey on Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and outlined a series of reforms aimed at enhancing their efficiency and attractiveness for foreign investment.

The survey, which included aerial and drone coverage, highlighted both the strengths and challenges faced by these zones. The findings were presented during a high-level BOI meeting led by Minister Khan, who revealed plans for over 150 reforms to improve the SEZs.

These reforms will focus on making the zones more environmentally friendly, with a strong emphasis on the Green Pakistan initiative. Key upgrades include linking Karachi’s industrial zone to Port Qasim and implementing a one-window operation for businesses to streamline processes.

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Khan emphasized that a priority is to attract industries relocating from China while also encouraging investments from countries beyond China. Additionally, he stressed the importance of ensuring security and providing comprehensive facilities within these zones.

In his remarks, Khan noted the significant progress made in resolving long-standing issues within the SEZs over the past six months. He called for the BOI to prepare a detailed presentation on these reforms for the prime minister.

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Khan also instructed the BOI to strengthen communication with international investors through Pakistan’s embassies and create a “Pride of Pakistan” group to recognize and honor foreign investors. A meeting between these investors and the Prime Minister is also being planned. Furthermore, discussions were held on the upcoming Business Facilitation Centre and the “Asaan Karobar Act 2024,” which aims to simplify business processes in the country.

The Secretary of the BOI briefed the meeting on both current initiatives and future plans for further development of Pakistan’s SEZs.