ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Minister for Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Wednesday invited Chinese investors to explore Pakistan’s vast investment potential in manufacturing, technology, agriculture, minerals and infrastructure to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
The minister said during a meeting with Dr. Li Kouqing, Deputy Director of the CAREC Institute, and Dr. Ghulam Samad, Chief of its Research Division, which focused on enhancing institutional cooperation, promoting investment and expanding economic collaboration between Pakistan and China, said a news release.
Senior officials of the BoI, including Additional Secretary Zulfiqar Ali and Director General Mehmood Tufail, also attended the meeting.
Welcoming the delegation, the minister appreciated Dr. Li Kouqing’s efforts to strengthen institutional engagement and promote economic cooperation. Recalling his participation in a CAREC event in Urumqi, China, last year, he acknowledged the CAREC leadership’s role in facilitating his meeting with the Chinese finance minister on the sidelines of the event.
He underscored the importance of sustaining such engagements and expressed his desire to further strengthen interaction with Chinese leadership and institutions to advance mutually beneficial economic ties.
Dr. Li Kouqing expressed interest in exploring further cooperation between the CAREC Institute, BOI and relevant government institutions. He also proposed organising investment focused events in different Pakistani cities to bring together policymakers, researchers, investors and business communities and showcase the country’s economic potential.
Welcoming the proposal, Qaiser Sheikh assured full government support and facilitation for such initiatives, noting that direct engagement among institutions and investors could help identify promising sectors and encourage greater investment flows.
The minister said that Pakistan is an attractive destination for investment, offering a large consumer market, a substantial workforce and significant opportunities across multiple sectors. He highlighted that Pakistan has the world’s fifth-largest population, providing considerable potential for investment in manufacturing, technology, agriculture, minerals, infrastructure and other growth-oriented industries.
Sharing his recent experience of international investor engagement, the minister informed the delegation that he had visited the United States approximately three weeks earlier, where he interacted with a number of investors.
He noted that international investors are increasingly interested in exploring opportunities in the Pakistani market. While Pakistan’s market remains less developed in several areas than those of neighbouring countries, he emphasised that this presents substantial room for growth, expansion and new investment.
With the right partnerships, an enabling business environment and effective government facilitation, Pakistan can attract investment while creating employment opportunities and strengthening its productive capacity.
The minister also highlighted the importance of upcoming international and regional engagements in promoting Pakistan as an investment destination. He informed the delegation that Pakistan is scheduled to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit next year, with Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to attend.
A business forum is also planned alongside the SCO-related engagements, providing an important platform for business leaders, investors and policymakers to explore partnerships and investment opportunities.
Meanwhile, Qaiser Sheikh shared that a Pakistan Tech Forum is planned for next month, reflecting the government’s focus on promoting technology-driven investment, innovation and business collaboration.
He noted that these initiatives, alongside ongoing investment facilitation and regulatory reforms, offer opportunities to strengthen Pakistan’s economic partnerships and attract international investors.
Qaiser Ahmed reiterated that the government remains committed to supporting domestic and foreign investors through improved coordination, streamlined processes and assistance in identifying viable investment opportunities.
He emphasised that the government welcomes constructive engagement with international institutions, research organisations and business communities to promote investment, strengthen economic cooperation and support sustainable economic growth.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to explore avenues for continued engagement between the CAREC Institute, the Board of Investment and relevant government institutions, including potential collaborative events and initiatives aimed at highlighting Pakistan’s investment potential and strengthening economic cooperation between Pakistan and China.
The Board of Investment remains committed to facilitating investors, strengthening international partnerships and positioning Pakistan as a competitive and attractive destination for investment.