Islamabad : Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, hosted a high-level meeting with a joint delegation of ASEAN Ambassadors and High Commissioners at the Board of Investment office in Islamabad.
The delegation included Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of Thailand and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI); Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, Ambassador of Indonesia; Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia; Pham Ahn Tuan, Ambassador of Vietnam; Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines; Wunna Han, Ambassador of Myanmar; and Col. (Rtd.) Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah Pengiran Haji Ahmad, High Commissioner of Brunei.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary Board of Investment and other senior officials, reflecting the importance Pakistan attaches to strengthening economic ties with ASEAN countries.
During the discussions, Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh highlighted the strategic importance of ASEAN countries as key partners for Pakistan and briefed the delegation on the role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the Facilitation Centre in promoting investment opportunities across the country. He emphasized that these zones provide a structured and investor-friendly environment, aimed at fostering sustainable industrial growth, attracting foreign direct investment, and generating employment opportunities.
All ASEAN countries expressed keen interest in in sectors such as tourism, the food industry, and other emerging industries, which hold substantial potential for investment and bilateral economic collaboration. The Minister highlighted that Pakistan is actively offering incentives to investors to enhance investment opportunities in different sectors like IT, Infrastrucutre, Textile, Mining.
The delegates collectively acknowledged the presence of significant investment opportunities in Pakistan for ASEAN countries and underscored their willingness to explore potential collaborations in multiple sectors. Discussions also focused on strengthening trade and investment ties, improving connectivity, and facilitating smoother investment procedures to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership.
The ASEAN representatives welcomed Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies and highlighted their interest in participating in development initiatives that could promote regional integration and growth.
Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the Government of Pakistan is focused on an export-led growth economy, aiming to create a sustainable business environment for investors and to enhance Pakistan’s role in regional trade networks.
The Secretary of the Board of Investment Mr. Jamil Ahmad Qureshi stated that both the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Special Investment Facilitation Centre (SIFC) are actively working to facilitate and promote investment opportunities across Pakistan, ensuring a smooth and investor-friendly environment.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation, fostering regional development, and promoting long-term partnerships that support economic growth and stability. Both sides expressed optimism about the opportunities ahead and agreed to continue dialogue and engagement to implement actionable initiatives for investment and connectivity in the region.
Under the leadership of Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, the Board of Investment remains committed to promoting sustainable investment and fostering regional economic partnerships.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
