KARACHI, December 16 2024: The Sindh government has announced plans to establish two specialized economic zones in Karachi to attract Chinese investors and foster partnerships with local entrepreneurs. Provincial Minister for Energy, Planning, and Development, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, shared this vision during the 10th Beauty, Fitness, and Consumer Health International Expo at the Expo Centre Karachi.
The minister emphasized Karachi’s growing significance as a hub for industrial development, particularly amid global shifts in trade policies regarding China. As some nations scale back direct imports from China, Pakistan is poised to become a preferred intermediary for Chinese products, creating new trade opportunities for exporters and importers alike.
Nasir Hussain Shah urged local business leaders to collaborate with their Chinese counterparts, positioning Pakistan’s products under the “Made-in-Pakistan” brand. He further elaborated that the Sindh government is actively upgrading infrastructure within Karachi’s industrial zones, granting them financial and administrative autonomy to ensure sustainable development.
On energy developments, Shah highlighted a groundbreaking achievement: a solar park with a remarkably low tariff of 3.5 cents per unit has been approved, promising affordable power for Karachi and other parts of Sindh in phased rollouts.
He also pointed to the provincial government’s broader initiatives, including empowering local governments to better serve the population. A bill aimed at strengthening municipal institutions is expected to pass soon, aligning with the directives of party leadership.
The ongoing four-day international exhibition reflects Pakistan’s growing appeal to foreign investors. Executive Director of Ecommerce Gateway, Muhammad Uzair Nizam, commended the event’s role in showcasing Pakistan’s progressive image on the global stage. He noted that business activities are increasingly shifting toward emerging sectors such as beauty, fitness, and consumer health, offering immense potential for investment and employment.
With participation from over 2,000 brands and 350 companies from countries like the USA, China, Korea, Iran, Turkey, and Indonesia, the expo anticipates drawing 40,000 visitors. The event is projected to generate $20 million in revenue through service exports, business deals, sponsorships, and tourism-related initiatives.
This exhibition serves as a platform for stakeholders to explore new trends, innovations, and opportunities in the beauty, fitness, and wellness industries, bolstering Pakistan’s standing in these evolving sectors.
