Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited United States International Development Finance Corporation to enhance its financing footprint in Pakistan, with a strong emphasis on information technology and other high growth sectors, as the country positions itself as an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investment. The invitation was extended during a meeting in Washington on the sidelines of the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, where the prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic indicators, ongoing structural reforms, and expanding opportunities in the digital economy.
During his meeting with Benjamin Black, Chief Executive Officer of United States International Development Finance Corporation, the prime minister underscored the government’s commitment to creating a stable and business friendly environment for international partners. He emphasized that Pakistan’s technology sector, particularly IT services, software development, and digital infrastructure, offers strong potential for scalable investment. Benjamin Black was accompanied by DFC’s Head of Investments Conor Coleman and senior leadership of the agency, reflecting the importance being attached to Pakistan within DFC’s regional engagement. The prime minister appreciated the steady expansion of economic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States and noted that deeper collaboration in technology driven sectors could support long term growth and job creation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged DFC’s role in facilitating joint ventures between private sector companies in both countries, describing such partnerships as essential for improving productivity and strengthening innovation led industries. He highlighted DFC’s existing portfolio in Pakistan, which exceeds one billion dollars, and pointed to the alignment between Pakistan’s economic priorities and US investment interests. In the context of IT and digital services, he noted that Pakistan’s young workforce, expanding broadband connectivity, and growing export oriented tech ecosystem present mutually beneficial opportunities for business to business engagement. Alongside technology, he also encouraged DFC to explore projects in energy, agriculture, and mines and minerals, sectors that increasingly rely on digital tools, data analytics, and automation to improve efficiency and sustainability.
The prime minister also extended an invitation to DFC to participate in the upcoming Minerals Conference scheduled to take place in Islamabad in April, noting the relevance of digital solutions in resource mapping, exploration technologies, and supply chain transparency. In response, Benjamin Black briefed the prime minister on DFC’s strategic priorities and its current project pipeline in Pakistan. He expressed interest in expanding the agency’s presence in the country and highlighted that DFC is well positioned to support development focused investments following its recent reauthorization. Black noted that Pakistan’s reform trajectory and focus on private sector led growth align with DFC’s mandate to promote sustainable economic development in partner countries.
The meeting concluded with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inviting Benjamin Black to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience to further explore investment opportunities, particularly in sectors where technology acts as a catalyst for growth. By engaging directly with DFC leadership, Pakistan aims to channel greater international financing into its IT and digital economy, supporting innovation, exports, and employment while strengthening economic ties with the United States through practical and commercially viable partnerships.
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