Concern voiced over EPZA’s ‘intention’ to shut Lahore office

LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed concern over reports that the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) intends to shut down its regional office in Lahore.

According to LCCI, the decision appears rushed and lacking justification. The Chamber noted that immediately after assuming charge, the new Chairman of EPZA reportedly initiated the proposal without fully examining its implications for Punjab’s business sector.

LCCI highlighted that the EPZA Head Office is based in Karachi; however, all matters related to Punjab’s Export Processing Zones, including those in Sialkot and Gujranwala, have long been efficiently handled through the Lahore office. Closing this office, the Chamber warned, could create an administrative gap and weaken coordination between EPZA and the Punjab-based industrial community.

The Chamber further pointed out that EPZA’s top management has rarely visited Punjab and maintained minimal engagement with local investors and stakeholders. LCCI emphasized that EPZA leadership has not visited Lahore, Sialkot, or Gujranwala recently to review ongoing operations before proposing such a change.

The business community recalled that EPZA’s former Chairman visited LCCI in 2022 and launched a seminar to promote investment under the Public–Private Partnership model. The Chamber had offered full support to EPZA for new zone development, but no meaningful follow-up was carried out since then.

LCCI stressed that EPZA is a federal organization and its regional presence in Punjab is important to ensure accessibility and coordination. Several key federal and semi-government institutions, including BOI, PASDEC, and SMEDA, continue to operate offices in Lahore due to its central role in national commerce.

The Chamber also reminded stakeholders that EPZA has previously closed multiple offices in Punjab, resulting in missed investment opportunities, such as the delayed Faisalabad Export Processing Zone. It cautioned that shutting down the Lahore office may further isolate Punjab’s exporters and investors.

Business leaders fear that continuing such decisions may gradually shift EPZA’s structure into a Sindh-centric framework, instead of serving all provinces equally.

Calling the move counterproductive to industrial development, LCCI urged the Federal Secretary for Industries and Production to intervene and reverse the decision. The Chamber said that ensuring balanced regional representation is essential for promoting investment and supporting Pakistan’s economic growth.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025