Geneva: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for the Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, addressed the 30th World Investment Conference in Geneva, encouraging international investors to capitalise on Pakistan’s emerging market opportunities. Presenting at the Ministerial Roundtable titled “The Next Decade of Global Investment,” Sheikh outlined Pakistan’s strategic economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and fostering a transparent business environment.
According to Press Information Department, the Minister emphasized Pakistan’s advantageous geographical position, highlighting its access to significant regional markets and trade routes, specifically through its seaports in Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar. He detailed priority sectors ripe for investment, including information technology, agriculture, textiles, renewable energy, and infrastructure, noting the potential for strengthening industrial capacity and enhancing exports.
Sheikh elaborated on the government’s comprehensive reform agenda under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, which includes over 500 regulatory changes across 30 sectors to simplify business processes and reduce compliance costs. The Pakistan Regulatory Modernization Initiative and the Asaan Karobar Act 2025 were noted as critical to these reforms.
Furthermore, he introduced the Business Facilitation Centre in Islamabad, which has successfully processed numerous approvals and facilitated significant investments, underlining the country’s commitment to investor facilitation. The Federal Minister also highlighted Pakistan’s Investment Policy 2023 and the incentives offered in Special Economic Zones, aimed at attracting and retaining foreign investments.
The conference, organized by the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies, provides a platform for discussing global investment trends and challenges. Sheikh concluded by inviting international investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan, emphasizing the country’s openness to business and dedication to sustainable investment.