Pakistan’s position as an attractive destination for foreign investment continues to strengthen as confidence among existing investors shows a marked increase. According to the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) Perception and Investment Survey 2025, 73% of current foreign investors now recommend Pakistan as a viable destination for investment, compared to 61% in the previous survey conducted two years ago. The findings highlight a renewed sense of optimism, driven by improvements in key macroeconomic indicators, fiscal management, and structural reforms undertaken by the government.
The survey results were shared by Khurram Schehzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He noted that the growing investor confidence reflects Pakistan’s clear trajectory toward economic reform and stability. According to Schehzad, the current policy direction has contributed to restoring confidence through factors such as currency stability, declining inflation, and improved external and fiscal balances—developments that have also been validated by global financial institutions. He emphasized that Pakistan’s economic management has become more disciplined and predictable, setting the stage for sustainable investment inflows.
Schehzad outlined several measures contributing to this positive sentiment, particularly those aimed at reducing business costs and promoting industrial competitiveness. He mentioned that energy tariffs for industries and agriculture have been brought down from Rs38 to Rs23 per unit for a three-year relief period, providing critical support to production sectors. Additionally, the central bank’s decision to halve interest rates has eased financing costs, enabling businesses to expand operations and invest in new ventures. The government has also rationalized the tax structure to provide targeted relief to the formal economy while strengthening compliance frameworks to improve transparency and broaden the tax base.
Another key reform area has been the streamlining of regulatory processes. Schehzad noted that approval timelines for business permits and regulatory clearances have been reduced dramatically—from years to just weeks or even days in some cases. This shift is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance the ease of doing business and remove bureaucratic barriers that historically discouraged foreign investors. The focus on digital governance and automation within key ministries has further accelerated these improvements, aligning with Pakistan’s economic modernization agenda.
Schehzad wrote that these structural adjustments are designed to lower the overall cost of doing business while encouraging sustainable investment and job creation. He added that the message to international investors is clear: Pakistan’s economy is on a path of reform-driven revival, backed by consistent policy action and investor-friendly initiatives. The OICCI Perception and Investment Survey, conducted biennially, gathers insights from leading foreign investors across multiple sectors, including energy, manufacturing, telecommunications, and financial services. Its findings serve as an important benchmark for assessing investor sentiment and guiding economic policymaking in Pakistan.
The latest survey results reflect growing international recognition of Pakistan’s reform agenda and its efforts to create a stable, transparent, and inclusive business environment that supports both domestic and foreign enterprise.
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