Islamabad: Federal Minister for Investment, Board of Investment (BOI), Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, met with H.E. Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, Director General of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), to explore new avenues for investment and economic cooperation among Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the International Education Summit & Expo 2026, organized by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) in Islamabad.
According to the Press Information Department, the meeting focused on enhancing economic and institutional cooperation with an emphasis on investment, trade, education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and human capital development. Both representatives acknowledged each other’s efforts in promoting economic development and expressed a joint ambition to translate shared objectives into practical investment and economic partnerships.
Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial investment partnerships among OIC countries, citing their collective economic strength, resources, markets, and human capital. He expressed Pakistan’s eagerness to foster economic engagement with OIC member states, aiming to facilitate cross-border investment, joint ventures, business linkages, and technology partnerships.
Sheikh also discussed Pakistan’s initiatives to improve its investment climate, including simplifying regulatory procedures and enhancing the ease of doing business. Highlighting the link between investment flows and human capital, he advocated for a broader scope of cooperation that includes education, technology, and skills development.
The meeting underscored the importance of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and knowledge-based industries in the global economic landscape. Sheikh proposed promoting partnerships between governments, universities, businesses, and the private sector to align education and skills with investor needs.
H.E. Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk expressed support for strengthened cooperation with Pakistan and acknowledged the potential for institutional collaboration to enhance economic opportunities within the OIC. Both parties agreed on the value of developing joint initiatives in investment promotion and capacity building, particularly for young people, and reinforcing private-sector-led growth.
The discussions concluded with a commitment to further Pakistan’s engagement with OIC institutions and to explore new investment, trade, education, and economic cooperation opportunities that could benefit the Islamic world. The Board of Investment reaffirms its dedication to promoting Pakistan as an attractive investment destination and facilitating international economic partnerships with OIC member countries.