Special Economic Zones contributed 3.7% to exports; govt aims to raise share to 8% by 2028, officials brief PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to provide “all necessary facilities” to both domestic and foreign investors to help boost exports, while calling for regulatory compliance to be simplified and made less costly, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
At a review meeting in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz said promoting investment is the government’s top priority for economic growth.
The prime minister urged stronger government-investor coordination and faster digitisation of licensing and public services.
“All systems for access to licences and services should be digitised at a faster pace,” he said
The meeting was informed that SEZs contributed 3.7% to exports from July to March of the current fiscal year.
Officials said the government aims to increase this share to 8% by 2028. Officials said 21 SEZs are operational, rising to 26 by June 2026.
A “business-ready action plan” is also being prepared in consultation with provincial governments to further facilitate investment, while a Pakistan Regulatory Registry is being established to streamline approvals through digital platforms.
The PM said the SIFC has boosted investor confidence and that Ease of Doing Business reforms will cut red tape and expand digital services.
The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, including Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with other senior officials.