PM launches Chinese-backed special economic zone
0
• $100 million project is expected to generate $400m in exports
• Premier seeks to strengthen bilateral ties with Bangladesh
• Orders swift completion of delayed IT park
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday launched a Chinese-led Special Economic Zone expected to draw $100 million in investment over five years and generate $400 million in exports, and he also met the Bangladeshi high commissioner to push for stronger bilateral ties.
The zone will be established by the Chinese garments group “Challenge Fashion Private Limited” that has already invested $17 million in Pakistan since 2014.
Meeting with a company delegation led by Chairman Huwang Weiguo, PM Shehbaz welcomed the new zone, saying it would facilitate technology transfer, skill development, and sustainable industrial growth.
He directed officials to provide all possible facilities to the business company, reiterating his government’s commitment to the industrial component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and to “benefiting from China’s progress and expertise in the textile sector”.
Highlighting the “time-tested” relationship between the nations, PM Shehbaz said his government desired to take bilateral ties to new heights.
He told the delegation that a China-Pakistan Business-to-Business Conference would soon be held in China to foster collaboration.
He said that Pakistan desired the Chinese industries to establish their units in Pakistan and also appreciated the confidence of Challenge Fashion Group in the Pakistani market.
Mr Huwang, thanking the prime minister for the hospitality in Pakistan, confirmed the company’s investment and export targets for the new zone.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Jam Kamal, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervez Malik, and Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and other senior government official.
Meets Bangladeshi HC
In a separate meeting, PM Shehbaz focused on regional diplomacy, calling for stronger political and economic relations with Bangladesh.
During a courtesy call from Bangladesh’s High Commissioner (HC) Md Iqbal Hussain Khan, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s desire to enhance trade and people-to-people contacts.
The prime minister expressed satisfaction over growing engagement between the two countries and recalled his “warm and productive” interactions with Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Dr Mohammad Yunus.
The high commissioner briefed the premier on steps being taken to facilitate travel and trade and expressed his desire to continue “strengthening of the historic bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Bangladesh”.
The PM wished the commissioner success, assured him of full support, and expressed confidence in positive developments in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations.
Talks with ministers
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed on various government sectors in meetings on Friday with three of his ministers.
Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, met with the prime minister to discuss issues related to the power sector.
The discussion also touched upon the broader political landscape, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
In a separate meeting, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik addressed matters of mutual interest with the prime minister.
Detailed reviews concerning the Petroleum Division were conducted during their discussions.
Additionally, Hanif Abbasi, Minister for Railways, also called on the premier to talk over railway division matters, emphasising ongoing and future projects.
Delayed IT Park project
Earlier on Independence Day, the prime minister visited the under-construction Technology Park in Islamabad, expressing “strong displeasure” over the slow pace of work.
During what was his third inspection of the project, PM Shehbaz reprimanded officials and directed them to accelerate the park’s completion, which was originally scheduled for March 23, a statement from PM office said.
“Ensure the provision of world-class facilities and double your efforts to finish this project as per the original instructions,” the prime minister told project managers.
Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2025
