Pakistan has offered Turkiye 1,000 acres of land in the Karachi Industrial Park to establish a special Export Processing Zone (EPZ). The initiative aims to boost bilateral trade, attract Turkish investment, and significantly reduce shipping costs.
According to officials, relocating Turkish industries to Karachi could cut expenses drastically. Currently, shipping one ton of goods costs nearly $4,000, but with industries operating in Karachi, that figure could drop to around $1,000 per ton.
This reduction would not only save money but also make Pakistan a more attractive hub for regional trade. Karachi’s location along vital international trade routes adds strategic value, making the city a strong candidate for Turkish industrial expansion.
The offer highlights the deepening relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously discussed enhancing economic cooperation, and this proposal builds on those commitments.
With extensive experience in managing Export Processing Zones, Turkiye has successfully used them to strengthen its economy. If implemented in Karachi, the same model could create new opportunities for both countries.
For Pakistan, this move promises job creation, technology transfer, and a stronger industrial base. For Turkiye, it ensures lower production costs and easier access to South Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
Experts suggest this initiative could mark a turning point in the trade partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye, setting the stage for long-term economic collaboration.
