BOI minister invites global investors to partner with Pakistan at CTIS 2026

Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, on Tuesday, invited global investors to partner with Pakistan at Commonwealth trade and investment summit

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2026) Federal Minister for board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, on Tuesday, invited global investors to partner with Pakistan at Commonwealth trade and investment summit.

He is representing Pakistan at the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS) 2026 in London, as a dynamic, reform-driven, and investment-ready economy, and inviting global partners to explore its vast economic potential, said a release issued here.

Addressing the distinguished delegates, policymakers, and business leaders from across the Commonwealth, the minister expressed gratitude to the Government of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), and its Chairman, Lord Marland, for convening the summit.

He also acknowledged the support of Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, in facilitating Pakistan’s effective participation.

The minister delivered a strong message to the global investment community, stating that “Pakistan is open, Pakistan is ready, and Pakistan seeks to be your partner of first choice.”

He emphasized that with a population exceeding 240 million, predominantly young and enterprising alongside improving macroeconomic indicators and a reform-oriented government, Pakistan stands at the threshold of a new era of stability, opportunity, and growth.

Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic direction, the Minister noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan is actively pursuing an agenda of economic revival, investment promotion, and institutional reforms aimed at sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

The minister underscored Pakistan’s strategic geographic advantage, noting the country’s role as a vital connectivity hub linking South Asia, Central Asia, the middle East, and China. He stated that with operational ports at Gwadar and Karachi, and infrastructure developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan offers global investors access to markets of over 3 billion people.

He invited Commonwealth countries to utilize Pakistan as a manufacturing hub, transit economy, and secure investment destination in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Outlining key reforms, the Federal Minister highlighted the Government’s comprehensive approach to improving ease of doing business.

He noted that the Board of Investment (BOI), as the apex investment promotion agency under the Prime Minister’s Office, is spearheading initiatives to simplify regulatory procedures, enhance transparency, and provide one-window facilitation to investors.

He informed participants about the Pakistan Investment Policy 2023, aimed at increasing the investment-to-GDP ratio from 15% to 20% through targeted incentives and improved coordination between federal and provincial authorities.

He also highlighted the Pakistan Regulatory Modernization Initiative (PRMI), under which over 400 reforms have been implemented, resulting in significant cost savings for businesses and improved regulatory efficiency.

The mnister further shared that initiatives such as the Asaan Karobar Act 2025, Business Facilitation Centres (BFCs), and digitalization measures including e-registry systems and business portals are transforming Pakistan’s business landscape. These reforms are enabling faster approvals, reducing compliance burdens, and facilitating new business creation and job generation.

Emphasizing investment opportunities, the Minister highlighted priority sectors including energy, information technology, telecommunications, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, mining, tourism, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

He noted that SEZs offered attractive incentives, including tax exemptions and duty-free import of machinery, making Pakistan an ideal destination for industrial investment.

The mnister also proposed that Pakistan host the next Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in Islamabad in 2027 or 2028, inviting international partners to witness firsthand the country’s investment ecosystem, infrastructure, and reform progress.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to international collaboration, he called for stronger partnerships across the Commonwealth to promote sustainable growth, enhance connectivity, and unlock shared economic potential.

The Board of Investment remains committed to facilitating investors, advancing reforms, and positioning Pakistan as a leading destination for global investment through proactive engagement and strategic partnerships.