Sindh signs agreement for Dhabeji SEZ under CPEC

January 19, 2025 (MLN): The Sindh government signed an agreement with Chinese and local investors to develop the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ) under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase II, a project expected to attract $3 billion in investment and generate over 100,000 job opportunities.

The agreement was signed by Abdul Azeem Uqaili, Chief Executive of Sindh Economic Zones Management Company, and Mohabat Khan, CEO and Chairman of Zahir Khan Brothers (ZKB).

Cheng Qiang of PowerChina International also signed the agreement, with support from China’s National Development and Reform Commission, according to the press release.

During the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah hailed the agreement as a significant milestone in advancing industrial cooperation.

The project, developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aims to enhance industrial collaboration between Pakistan and China.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s House, the Dhabeji SEZ is strategically located near Karachi’s ports.

Its exceptional connectivity and access to regional trade routes make it the most viable economic zone under CPEC.

The chief minister highlighted the zone's potential to draw both local and international investment, especially from Chinese companies seeking to expand their operations in South Asia.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Investment and PPP, Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, emphasized the importance of sustainable industries, empowering local communities, and enhancing skills development.

He stated that the SEZ would bring socio-economic changes to the region, creating over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and benefiting local communities.

“The Dhabeji SEZ is poised to transform Pakistan’s economic landscape,” said Murad Ali Shah.

He added that the project would stimulate industrial growth, reduce dependence on imports, and increase exports, fostering a self-reliant and sustainable economy.

The MoU signing ceremony was also attended by members of the Sindh Cabinet, senior officials and other dignitaries.

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