Geneva, Switzerland (GNP): Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, participated in the high-level Ministerial Roundtable titled “The Next Decade of Global Investment”, at the 30th World Investment Conference (WIC 2026), organised by the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), in Geneva, Switzerland. This brought together ministers, heads of investment promotion agencies and international stakeholders to discuss emerging trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of global investment.
Addressing the international gathering, the Federal Minister highlighted Pakistan’s investment potential, ongoing economic reforms and commitment to establishing a transparent, competitive and investor-friendly business environment. He underscored that investment remains a key driver of economic growth, industrial development, employment generation and shared prosperity, emphasising Pakistan’s determination to translate its economic potential into tangible investment opportunities.
The Minister highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographical location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and China, offering investors access to important regional markets and international trade routes. He particularly emphasised the country’s seaport infrastructure, including Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar, as important assets for regional connectivity, international trade, logistics and investment.
Highlighting priority investment opportunities, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh identified information technology and digital services, agriculture and food processing, textiles and value-added manufacturing, mining and minerals, renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, pharmaceuticals and tourism as key sectors offering substantial potential for international investors. He stressed that Pakistan particularly welcomes investment that strengthens industrial capacity, introduces modern technologies, develops local supply chains, enhances exports and generates quality employment.
The Federal Minister highlighted the government’s comprehensive reform agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, aimed at improving the ease of doing business and strengthening investor confidence. He stated that more than 500 regulatory reforms had been undertaken across approximately 30 sectors in coordination with around 90 federal and provincial departments. These reforms are designed to simplify procedures, reduce compliance costs, eliminate duplication and establish a more predictable and transparent regulatory environment.
He also highlighted the Pakistan Regulatory Modernization Initiative and the Asaan Karobar Act 2025 as important milestones in institutionalising regulatory reforms and improving the overall business environment. He reiterated that the government’s objective is to promote better regulation, eliminate unnecessary hurdles, enhance transparency and ensure faster service delivery for businesses.
Emphasising the importance of practical investor facilitation, the Minister highlighted the establishment of the Business Facilitation Centre (BFC) in Islamabad by the Board of Investment, bringing 22 federal government agencies under one roof through a one-window mechanism. He informed participants that during its first eight months, the Centre served 5,386 businesses, processed 4,555 approvals and No Objection Certificates (NOCs), facilitated investment worth PKR 5.08 billion and supported 15,680 jobs. The Centre also recorded an investor satisfaction rating of 9.8 out of 10, reflecting the effectiveness of coordinated service delivery.
The Minister further highlighted Pakistan’s Investment Policy 2023, which provides opportunities for up to 100 percent foreign equity participation in most sectors, subject to applicable laws and sector-specific restrictions, alongside provisions for the repatriation of capital, profits and dividends through authorised banking channels. He also drew attention to the incentives available in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including a ten-year income tax exemption for eligible zone enterprises and a one-time exemption from customs duties and taxes on qualifying capital goods, in accordance with the applicable legal framework.
Referring to the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Federal Minister noted that the Council provides an important institutional platform for coordinated investment facilitation among federal and provincial governments and relevant institutions. He emphasised that Pakistan is actively working to strengthen international partnerships, promote joint ventures and attract investment that brings financial resources, technical expertise, innovation, modern management practices and access to international markets.
During the Ministerial Roundtable on “The Next Decade of Global Investment”, the discussions focused on the changing global investment landscape in the context of geopolitical developments, evolving supply chains, technological transformation, climate challenges and changing patterns of international trade. The Minister highlighted the importance of developing resilient, sustainable and competitive investment ecosystems that provide businesses with confidence, predictability and long-term opportunities.
He stressed that investment promotion agencies must evolve beyond conventional investment marketing and play a more proactive role in end-to-end investor facilitation, policy development, institutional coordination and building lasting relationships with international investors.
The Minister also emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive investment, particularly in renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable manufacturing, modern infrastructure, digital transformation and technology-driven industries. He noted that investment should generate benefits beyond financial returns by creating employment, empowering communities, strengthening human capital and supporting environmentally sustainable economic development.
Highlighting Pakistan’s engagement with the international investment community, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with WAIPA and other international investment promotion agencies. He appreciated WAIPA’s contribution to promoting international investment cooperation and providing a valuable platform for dialogue among governments, investors and business leaders. He also acknowledged the importance of the Board of Investment’s engagement within WAIPA’s Steering Committee in further strengthening international investment collaboration.
Concluding his remarks, the Federal Minister extended an invitation to international investors to explore Pakistan’s investment potential, establish partnerships with local businesses and benefit from the country’s ongoing economic and regulatory reforms. He reaffirmed that Pakistan is open for business, committed to facilitating responsible and sustainable investment, and determined to create mutually beneficial opportunities for international investors.
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The 30th World Investment Conference (WIC 2026), being held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 10 to 12 November 2026, provides an important international platform for government representatives, investment promotion agencies, international organisations and business leaders to exchange perspectives, strengthen partnerships and explore new avenues for global investment cooperation.
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.
