Govt eyes Gwadar for China industry relocation

Pakistan has initiated efforts to devise a roadmap aimed at attracting Chinese industries for potential relocation to the country in wake of the ongoing tariff dispute between China and the United States. Since US President Donald Trump took office, a series of high tariffs have been imposed on Chinese products in a bid to revive domestic American manufacturing. Pakistan views this escalating trade conflict as an opening to position itself as an attractive destination for Chinese businesses seeking new bases of operation.

To support this ambition, Pakistan is preparing a strategic framework to offer incentives designed to lure Chinese industries to Gwadar, the deep-sea port city at the heart of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In parallel, the government is implementing several additional measures to rejuvenate economic activity in the area.

Sources told The Express Tribune that the Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP), in a recent session, tasked the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Ministry of Industries & Production to jointly deliver a roadmap within five days. This plan will outline steps to identify and attract Chinese industries willing to relocate operations to Pakistan in light of the US-China tariff battle.