EPZA was established through an Ordinance IV of 1980 with the mandate to plan, develop and operate Export Processing Zones in Pakistan. EPZA is an autonomous body working under the Ministry of Industries. It has a nine member Board of Directors. EPZA is mandated for setting up EPZ's in Pakistan.
EPZA as a system has worked very well in Pakistan especially in Karachi. As an already established, known and tried system for attracting investments and generating exports from Pakistan; it can provide almost risk free economic uplift.