ISLAMABAD: The Board of Invest­ment (BoI) has completed a survey of special economic zones (SEZs) and is introducing 150 reforms to attract local and international investors, particularly from China.

The information was shared during a meeting presided over by Minister for Board of Investment Abdul Aleem Khan on Wednesday.

According to a press release, the reform process will be implemented in SEZs based on an environmentally friendly model and will be declared as ‘Green Pakistan Investment’. Further steps have also been agreed upon to support this initiative.

Shifting industries from China to these SEZs will be prioritised. Additionally, countries other than China will also be encouraged to invest in these SEZs.

The survey of SEZs has been carried out on the instructions of Aleem Khan who directed that all facilities, including one-window and security measures, be ensured in these industrial centres. The BoI should also prepare a presentation for the prime minister, he said.

In addition to aerial survey, drone coverage was sought in identifying problems in these SEZs, according to the press release.

Aleem Khan said countries other than China, will also be encouraged to come forward and invest in these SEZs. The steps taken in the last six months have resulted in the speedy resolution of long-pending issues in these SEZ which is a great achievement, he added.

The minister directed the authorities to ensure coordinated and effective communication with investors from abroad through Pakistani embassies and to form a group of these foreign investors under the name “Pride of Pakistan” so that they can be awarded with due respect.

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2024