Federal Minister for the Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has called for investment-led economic growth, consistent policies and stronger public-private cooperation to improve Pakistan’s business environment, increase exports and generate employment. Addressing CEO Summit Islamabad 2026, themed “Growth in Testing Times: Reshaping the Future,” the minister said sustained economic progress requires long-term planning, institutional reforms and greater engagement with domestic and foreign investors. He emphasised that investment plays a central role in expanding industrial capacity, introducing modern technologies, improving productivity and creating jobs. The summit, organised by CEO Club Pakistan, brought together business leaders, chief executive officers, diplomats and other participants to discuss economic challenges and opportunities for sustainable growth. Sheikh said Pakistan’s recent economic difficulties should also be viewed as an opportunity to improve the conditions for doing business and build a more competitive economy. He stressed that economic stability must translate into productive investment, business expansion and increased exports, rather than remaining a short-term objective.
The minister identified information technology, agriculture and agro-processing, mining and minerals, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and tourism as sectors offering substantial investment potential. He said Pakistan’s large domestic market, young population, natural resources and strategic geographic position could support further economic development if these advantages were matched with effective policies and a predictable regulatory environment. Referring to China’s economic development, Sheikh highlighted the importance of sustained investment, expanding productive capacity and maintaining a long-term focus on industrial transformation. He said investors need clear regulations, timely decisions and policy consistency before committing capital to projects that may take years to deliver returns. Frequent changes, administrative delays and unnecessary procedural hurdles can make it difficult for businesses to plan operations and assess risks. The Board of Investment, he added, is working to facilitate investors, improve coordination among government departments and address obstacles that affect the establishment, operation and expansion of businesses. He also emphasised the importance of resolving concerns faced by existing investors, noting that retaining investment and supporting business growth are important alongside attracting new capital.
Sheikh said the government cannot deliver sustainable economic growth on its own and that the private sector must play a central role in shaping the country’s economic direction. Business leaders have direct experience of market conditions, operational costs, regulatory challenges and changing customer demand, making regular consultation with policymakers important for developing workable policies. Better coordination between government institutions and businesses can help identify barriers to investment and improve the implementation of reforms. The minister also highlighted the potential contribution of overseas Pakistanis, saying their role in economic development extends beyond remittances. Direct investment, business partnerships, technology transfer and connections with international markets can help domestic companies expand and access new opportunities. Engaging overseas entrepreneurs and professionals could also connect Pakistani businesses with international commercial networks and expertise. Sheikh called for a coordinated national effort to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and competitiveness, arguing that Pakistan’s economic potential depends on the ability of businesses and institutions to work towards shared long-term objectives. His remarks placed policy predictability and private-sector participation at the centre of efforts to build investor confidence.
The minister’s address comes amid continuing discussions about how Pakistan can increase productive investment, diversify exports and improve the operating environment for businesses. For technology companies and other export-oriented industries, predictable policies and efficient regulatory processes can influence decisions about expansion, hiring, infrastructure and the development of new products and services. Investment in sectors such as IT, manufacturing and agro-processing can also support technology adoption, improve productivity and create demand for skilled workers. However, translating investment potential into measurable economic gains will require effective implementation, coordination between institutions and consistent follow-through on announced reforms. The Board of Investment’s role in facilitating investors and addressing administrative hurdles will therefore be important in determining whether businesses can move from initial interest to actual projects. Concluding his address at CEO Summit Islamabad 2026, Sheikh expressed confidence that sustained investment, consistent policies and closer cooperation between the government and private sector could help Pakistan develop a more productive, resilient and competitive economy. He called for a long-term approach focused on turning the country’s resources and commercial opportunities into business activity, employment and export growth.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
