[photopress:zones_Pakistan.jpg,full,alignright]In starting its concept of special economic zones back in the seventies China was thinking inside the country. It was planning the industrialization of China.
Especially since the 3rd Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee in 1978, the PRC government reformed the national economic setup.
During the 1980s, the PRC passed several stages, ranging from the establishment of special economic zones and open coastal cities and areas, and designating open inland and coastal economic and technology development zones. It is a process the continues but is undoubtedly a massive success, albeit with attendant problems which are being dealt with in an orderly manner. The success of these zones has not escaped the attention of other countries.
In Peshawar, the administrative center of Pakistan, Provincial Minister for Industries Syed Ahmed Hussain Shah said a ‘national trade corridor’ would be established on N-35, Malakand, in the name of China City to enhance trade with China.
He said the establishment of the proposed ‘Reconstruction Opportunity Zones’ (ROZ) in the border regions of Pakistan and Afghanistanwould improve the provincial economy, generate employment opportunities, and help stem terrorism in the area.
Meanwhile Sindh Minister for Industries and Commerce in Pakistan, Rauf Siddiqui has suggested establishing a 100km long industrial zone on the land lying between Karachi and Hyderabad.
Syed Ahmed Hussain Shah said that to eliminate rising unemployment in the country and strengthening local economy, we had to convince foreign investors including China and other countries to invest in Pakistan.
Dr Junaid Ahmed, Advisor to the Finance Ministry called on the government to establish Pak-China, Pak-Korea, Pak-Iran, Pak-Arab Economic Zones, in which industrialists from these countries could be provided opportunities to invest. When China started special economic zones it started a world revolution.
Sources: The News and Trading Markets.