Pakistan plans to establish a 400-acre Garments City at Port Qasim in Karachi.
The project aims to increase textile exports and attract private investment. It is also expected to create thousands of jobs.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the plan after chairing a meeting on the proposed project.
The export-focused industrial cluster will operate through a public-private partnership. It will mainly support high-value apparel manufacturing.
The Port Qasim Authority will provide infrastructure and essential utilities required by industrial units.
First Phase Expected to Create 138,125 Jobs
The first phase of the Garments City will cover around 250 acres. According to the project plan, this phase is expected to create 138,125 employment opportunities.
Authorities also expect the first phase to generate around $2.2 billion in annual exports. The initial plan includes 32 industrial plots covering five acres each.
However, authorities are considering smaller plots of two or three acres. This could allow more investors to establish manufacturing facilities.
The approach could also increase the number of industrial units operating within the proposed zone.
Artistic Milliners Plans $18 Million Investment
Pakistani textile and denim manufacturer Artistic Milliners plans to invest more than $18 million in the project.
The company intends to establish a manufacturing facility within the proposed industrial zone.
Its facility will include vertical integration and green technologies.
The planned investment could also encourage other private companies to consider facilities within the industrial cluster. Private-sector participation will remain an important part of the project’s development.
Port Qasim to Provide Essential Utilities
The Port Qasim Authority will provide water, electricity and industrial gas to manufacturing units.
The overall project will have a planned water capacity of 13 million gallons per day. It will also have an electricity capacity of 64 megawatts.
Industrial gas capacity is planned at 750,000 pounds per day. These utilities are intended to support large-scale apparel and textile manufacturing operations.
One-Window System Planned for Exporters
The proposed Garments City will also provide a one-window system for exporters.
The system will include streamlined export processing and specialised customs services. Dedicated transport corridors are also planned to improve the movement of goods.
The location at Port Qasim could support manufacturers by providing access to important trade and logistics infrastructure. Pakistan’s textile and apparel industries remain important contributors to the country’s export sector.
Through the project, the government aims to expand high-value apparel manufacturing and increase textile exports. The development is also intended to attract additional private investment and create new employment opportunities.
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If implemented as planned, the Karachi project could become a significant export-oriented manufacturing cluster at Port Qasim.
