An Evaluation of Karachi Export Processing Zone: A Preliminary Investigation

Abstract

The literature on EPZs shows that these are a second-best solution compared with generalised countrywide reforms, but that, where countrywide reforms are difficult to implement, they can be a useful weapon in the development arsenal [World Bank (2001)]. EPZs have been instrumental not only in increasing exports but also attracting export-oriented foreign direct investment (FDI). China is a classic example to be mentioned here where the levels of FDI have gone up massively over the last ten years. Added up with exports increase are also the benefits of employment generation, development of backward and forward linkages and strengthening the industrial base. The phenomenon of export-processing zones (EPZs) is a part of broader context of structural changes in global economic development. During the last few decades, there has been a tremendous increase in exports of manufactured goods especially from developing countries. EPZs have emerged as an important channel of export generation, especially of manufactured goods, from most of the developing countries e.g. East Asia, Mexico, Morocco etc. Their significance cannot be undermined because of the location-specific advantages and infrastructure facilities possessed by them.

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“…The quality of infrastructure was rated to be moderate by 40 percent of the firms and low by 35 percent of them. Only 10 percent of the firms rated it as high (Akhtar, 2004).Hence based on this finding and observation this study formulates the following hypothesis:…”

“…Some examples of this gesture are the construction of a motorway linking the industrial region of Punjab with the capital city of Islamabad (with eight industrial zones planned along it); plans for the construction of further motorways; and attracting foreign investors into power generation and improvements in the telecommunications networks (Industrial policy, 1997). Presently, Pakistan lags behind many countries in terms of number of export (Akhtar, 2004). Hence, the problem statement of this study is that export promotion zones are at growth stage but internationally when we compared its performance with other EPZs in the region then it is many steps back than expectations at the time of establishment.…”

“…Islam and Siengthai (2009) identify that Quality of Work Life (QWL) has become one of the important issues in manufacturing enterprises like EPZ and those outside of EPZ. Akhtar (2004), in his study concluded that firms were not found to be satisfied with the level and quality of infrastructure available at KEPZ. The areas where most of the firms showed dissatisfaction were the facilities like fire-brigades, water supply and electricity.…”

“…Basically, Pakistan is an agrarian country with major exports in textile but currently it is under transition phase from agrarian country towards industrial country. Akhtar (2004) identifies this fact that Pakistan, being one of the staunch followers of import substitution industrialization (ISI), tried to reverse the trend by slanting towards export-oriented policy of industrialization and development. As a result Pakistan started liberalization of its trade regime in 1980.…”

“…As a result Pakistan started liberalization of its trade regime in 1980. Government of Pakistan has been focusing on the measures to boost the exports of Pakistan by understanding the importance of foreign investment in economic development, as a result the Export Processing Zones have been established little late compared to the neighboring countries (Akhtar, 2004).…”