Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on Friday, developed by China’s Challenge Fashion Private Limited, with a planned investment of $100 million over five years. The company has already invested $17 million in Pakistan since 2014. The SEZ aims to enhance technology transfer, skill development, and sustainable industrial growth, with an expected export potential of $400 million. PM Shehbaz directed authorities to provide full support for the project, reaffirming the government’s focus on expanding CPEC’s industrial footprint.
During a meeting with the Chinese delegation led by Chairman Huwang Weiguo, the prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s desire to elevate bilateral economic ties, leveraging China’s expertise in textiles. He announced an upcoming China-Pakistan Business-to-Business Conference to foster private-sector collaboration. The SEZ is seen as a key step in attracting more Chinese industries to Pakistan, strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Challenge Fashion’s Chairman thanked Pakistan for its hospitality and confirmed the company’s commitment to establishing a modern textile hub in the SEZ. The $100 million investment is expected to create jobs and significantly boost Pakistan’s export revenue. The chairman expressed optimism about Pakistan’s market potential and the long-term benefits of the project.
The ceremony was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Jam Kamal, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervez Malik, and Sardar Awais Leghari, along with SAPM Tariq Fatemi and senior officials. The initiative underscores Pakistan’s push for industrialization under CPEC and its reliance on Chinese investment to drive economic growth. With this project, Pakistan aims to position itself as a competitive player in the global textile market.