KARACHI: The Government of Sindh has achieved a major milestone as the Khairpur Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has been recognised among Asia-Pacific’s top industrial zones in the Global Free Zones of the Year 2025 – Best Industrial Zones awards by fDi Intelligence, a division of the Financial Times (UK).
This global recognition places Sindh and Pakistan among the region’s leading industrial destinations, marking a significant breakthrough in the province’s industrial development strategy.
The awards evaluated 45 leading economic zones worldwide, assessing performance on key parameters such as investment attraction, infrastructure quality, governance, sustainability, and innovation.
According to fDi Intelligence, Khairpur SEZ stood out for its agro-industrial focus, local value chain development, and resilient response to global trade disruptions. The zone was particularly commended for its success in promoting regional sourcing, food processing, and export-oriented manufacturing.
Pioneering Industrial Growth
Established in 2012, Khairpur SEZ is Pakistan’s first Special Economic Zone and a flagship project of the Sindh government. The zone hosts several operational industrial units across fruit pulping, packaging, cold storage, date dehydration, FMCG production, and agro-processing — adding substantial value to Sindh’s rich agricultural output.
The recognition underscores the Sindh government’s industrialisation vision, led by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and implemented under Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, aimed at driving job creation, sustainable industrial growth, and export expansion.
The achievement also highlights the effective role of the Sindh Economic Zones Management Company (SEZMC) in developing and managing modern industrial clusters that align with Sindh’s long-term investment outlook.
Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
Hammad Shams, Manager Marketing & Communication at SEZMC, said the honour affirms Sindh’s growing global reputation as an investment hub.
“This award from the Financial Times, UK, confirms Khairpur SEZ as a model for sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Strategically located along National Highway N-5, approximately five hours from Karachi, Khairpur SEZ offers direct connectivity to Pakistan’s major ports and commercial markets. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, reliable utilities, and a strong investor facilitation framework, the SEZ is fast emerging as one of South Asia’s most promising industrial destinations.
