Export Processing Zones of Pakistan

Geography of Pakistan:
Pakistan is ideally located for export oriented industries and businesses. It has a pivotal position,
as it is flanked by energy rich central Asian States and Gulf Countries on one side, and South and
East Asian states on the other. Pakistan has a liberal foreign exchange regime. There are no limits
on the inflow or outflow of funds for remittances of profits, debts services, capital gains or
payments for imported inputs.

Infrastructure of Pakistan:
Pakistan has in place well-established infrastructure and legal system, which is important to
attract investment. This includes comprehensive roads, rail, sea links, state of the art
telecommunications and IT services, modern company laws. Skilled human resources available
at very low cost. All these factors are kept in mind by the local and foreign investors while
making investment decisions in any country.

Export Processing Zones Authority:

Export Processing Zones have been established around the world in 60s. Pakistan adopted the
concept in its letter and spirit in 1980 and since then has been able to expand the zones all over
the country. First project of Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) was established at
Karachi over an area of 210 acres which was later expanded to another 94 acres. All these areas
have been colonized. EPZA is now working with the Government of Pakistan to expand the
Karachi EPZ.
Over the last thirty (30) years, EPZA has developed enough experience and capabilities to
manage, monitor, facilitate and develop capacity to promote manufacturing / processing
industries providing linkages to international markets. Now there is a need to expand the
industrial and commercial capabilities of Pakistan to create new opportunities for investors and

establish export led industrial units through EPZs. For better facilitation, EPZA has established
one window concept to facilitate its investors.

Incentives and Facilities provided by EPZA:

Developed land on competitive rates for 30 years.

Duty-free import on machinery, equipment and materials.
Freedom from national import regulations.
Exchange control regulations of Pakistan not applicable. Repatriation of capital and

profits.
No sales tax on input goods including electricity / gas bills.
Duty-free vehicles allowed under certain conditions.

EPZ locations in Pakistan:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Karachi
Sialkot
Risalpur
Faisalabad
Gujranwala
Gwadar