At present, 28 projects have been completed with a cost of US$ 18.8 billion under the framework of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) including 12 projects in the energy sector, 10 projects of the infrastructure development, and 06 projects in the socio-economic development sector.
There province-wise break-up are as follows:
The CPEC Long-Term Plan is for the period of 2015-30. The plan has been divided into the following 03 phases:
- 2015-20: Period of Market Cultivation.
- 2021-25: Period of Expansion and Development.
- 2026-30: Period of Maturity.
All the major projects will be completed within this timeframe.
The long-term plan is also reviewed every two years and modifications are made with mutual consent.
Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
Currently, nine Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been agreed under CPEC, namely Allama Iqbal Industrial City Faisalabad, Punjab, Rashakai SEZ, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dhabeji SEZ, Sindh, Bostan SEZ, Mirpur SEZ, AJK, ICT Model City Islamabad, Industrial Park on Pakistan Still Mill Land Karachi, Mohmand Marbal City, ex-FATA and Maqpandass SEZ Gilgit.
Out of these nine SEZs, the Federal Board of Investment in consultation with Chinese side have prioritized the following four SEZs one in each province, for fast-track development:
Allama Iqbal Industrial City is being developed on an area of 3,200 acres. The development work is in progress since November 2019 and expected to be completed by July 2026. The national & International investors including Chinese have made investment commitments. Some industrial units are under construction. All necessary utilities including electricity and gas are being provided.
Rashakai SEZ is being co-developed by the China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC) over an area of 1,000 acres and expected to be completed by December 2027. Few industrial units have started construction. The requisite supply of electricity and gas have been ensured along with access.
Bostan SEZ is being established in district Pishin near Quetta. The phase-I (200 acres) already developed and launched for investment through MIS SEZ online portal of the Federal Board of Investment.
Dhabeji Special Economic Zone is located in Thatta near Karachi with an area of 1,500 acres is envisioned to be completed by December 2024. It has locational advantage of being near to port. The developer for Dhabeji SEZ has been finalized and development work is under way.
The above information was shared with the National Assembly by the Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on October 14, 2022.
