Pakistan’s Generous Land Offer to Turkey: A Trade and Geopolitical Strategy

Pakistan’s offer of 1,000 acres of land to Turkey for an Export Processing Zone is a strategic endeavor. The Pakistani government, under Shehbaz Sharif, intends to create an EPZ in the Karachi Industrial Park. The aim is to draw Turkish companies and raise bilateral trade to $5 billion. This offer followed Turkey’s backing of Pakistan during the India-Pakistan tensions. The Pakistani delegation visited Turkish export zones, studying the infrastructure and incentives offered to investors. These zones, previously government-run, are now managed privately and provide substantial benefits such as long-term tax breaks and reduced utility costs. The Karachi EPZ aims to reduce transport expenses for Turkish companies by providing access to Central Asia and the Gulf region. Furthermore, Pakistan plans to expand trade agreements with Turkey and establish a Free Trade Agreement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.