Karachi, Pakistan » City Info » Economy

The city of Karachi is the commercial and financial capital of Pakistan. Karachi generates about 25% of the national GDP. It also has a share of 65% in generating the national revenue that includes federal and provincial taxes, customs and surcharges. In 2007, Karachi was identified as the most business-friendly city in Pakistan by World Bank.

It is home to some of the country's largest and most dynamic industrial complexes such as Sindh Industrial & Trading Estate (SITE), Korangi Industrial & Trade Estate, FB Area, North Karachi Industrial & Trade Estate Dhabeji and Port Qasim etc. SITE Manghopir is the largest industrial park in the country, comprising about 4000 factories. The areas like I.I. Chundrigar Road, Sharah-e-Faisal, Clifton and Defense are the central business hub of Karachi.

The industries in Karachi are of various types, from textiles to chemicals, steel, machinery, cement, corn mills, shipbuilding, refined oil, shoes and food. Also, automobile manufacturing companies such as Toyota, Suzuki, Millat Tractors, Adam motors, HinoPak have their manufacturing plants in Karachi. The city is also home to plenty of cottage industries.

Most of Pakistan's public and private banks, insurance companies have their head offices in Karachi. Many of Pakistan's independent television and radio channels such as Geo, ARY, Hum and AAJ TV, KTN, Sindh TV are headquartered in Karachi. The city also offers the scope for expansion of the tertiary sector and retail trade. The largest stock exchange of Pakistan is situated in Karachi. Jinnah International Airport, situated in Karachi, is the largest international airport in Pakistan.

Karachi is a significant sea transport centre and contains two important ports, Karachi and Port Mohammad Bin Qasim. The city is the hub for fishery business in Pakistan. The major fish harbour in Karachi includes Karachi Fish Harbour and Korangi Fish Harbour. Although IT industries, electronic media and call centres are playing a significant role in the current economy. The vast industrial base of the city provides the maximum strength to the economy of Pakistan.