ISLAMABAD, Feb 7 (ABC): Rashakai Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is rolling out investor-friendly policies, fiscal incentives and reliable utility services to attract local and foreign manufacturers, positioning itself as a key driver of Pakistan’s industrial growth under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Officials say the zone combines tax exemptions, long-term land leases and uninterrupted infrastructure to create a business environment that lowers costs and improves operational certainty for investors.
The SEZ has already allocated 102 acres to 26 enterprises, signalling rising industrial activity and growing investor confidence.
Incentives to reduce startup costs
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Abdul Hameed, Marketing Manager at the Investment Department of the Rashakai Economic Zone Development and Operation Company, said the zone offers a comprehensive package of incentives designed to ensure ease of doing business and long-term sustainability.
He explained that Rashakai SEZ provides a one-time exemption from customs duties and taxes on the import of capital goods. This concession significantly lowers initial setup expenses for factories and manufacturing units.
In addition, investors can avail a 10-year income tax exemption starting from the commencement of commercial operations.
“This makes the zone highly attractive for both domestic and foreign investors,” Hameed said.
Moreover, businesses receive a 99-year land lease, which offers stability and encourages long-term expansion plans.
One-window facility speeds approvals
To further support investors, the zone operates a one-window service system.
The system functions as a one-stop centre for approvals, documentation and regulatory procedures. As a result, companies can shorten processing times and avoid bureaucratic delays.
Hameed said this streamlined approach improves efficiency and helps investors start operations faster.
At the same time, round-the-clock security arrangements ensure a safe and secure environment for industrial activity.
Growing investor interest
Providing an update on investment trends, Hameed said the response from businesses has been encouraging.
So far, 26 enterprises have secured 102 acres of land within the zone. He added that dozens of Chinese companies are actively exploring partnerships with local firms to establish manufacturing units.
Meanwhile, hundreds of domestic enterprises have also expressed strong interest in setting up operations.
Industry observers say this interest reflects increasing confidence in Pakistan’s special economic zones as reliable production hubs.
Reliable utilities and infrastructure
A major attraction for investors is the availability of uninterrupted utilities.
The SEZ currently offers 160 megawatts (MW) of power supply, which authorities plan to expand to 210MW in the long term. In addition, the zone ensures 33 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas supply to meet industrial demand.
For logistics and storage needs, standardized warehouse facilities covering over 10,000 square metres have already been developed.
Furthermore, an effluent treatment plant with a capacity of 12,000 tons per day supports environmentally sustainable operations and compliance with regulations.
Phased development plan
Rashakai SEZ spans nearly 1,000 acres and is being developed in three phases.
Phase I covers 247 acres, where core infrastructure is already in place. The zone features dedicated internal roads, drainage systems, gas supply lines, 11KV power connectivity and telecom services up to the enterprise level.
It also offers customized workshops, commercial complexes, residential apartments and other supporting facilities to create a complete industrial ecosystem.
Officials say this integrated setup allows companies to operate efficiently within a self-contained environment.
Strategic CPEC advantage
Hameed told Wealth Pakistan that Rashakai SEZ enjoys strategic importance under CPEC, which enhances its attractiveness to Chinese and regional investors.
With modern infrastructure, policy incentives and strong connectivity, the zone is expected to play a central role in boosting exports, creating jobs and promoting regional economic development.
He said the SEZ could become a catalyst for Pakistan’s industrial transformation by supporting value addition and manufacturing growth.
As investment activity accelerates, Rashakai SEZ aims to position itself as one of the country’s leading industrial hubs.