Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting in Washington with the chief executive of US International Development Finance Corporation to discuss ways to expand economic cooperation and encourage increased United States investment in Pakistan. According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting took place on Thursday and focused on strengthening business to business engagement between the two countries. During the discussion with DFC Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Black, the prime minister acknowledged the agency’s investment portfolio of more than $1 billion in Pakistan and noted that the economic priorities of both countries were aligned, creating opportunities for mutually beneficial commercial collaboration across multiple sectors.
During the interaction, PM Shehbaz underlined Pakistan’s efforts to position itself as an attractive destination for foreign capital by pointing to what he described as improving macroeconomic fundamentals and ongoing structural reforms. He emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining an investor friendly environment and encouraged the DFC to further enhance financing for projects in key sectors including energy, mining and minerals, agriculture, and information technology. The prime minister also invited the DFC chief to visit Pakistan to directly explore investment opportunities in areas of shared interest. As part of this outreach, he encouraged the agency’s participation in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026, which is scheduled to be held in Islamabad on April 8 and 9. The forum is expected to serve as a platform to connect international investors with Pakistan’s mineral sector potential.
Pakistan has extended invitations to both China and the United States to participate in the upcoming minerals forum as it seeks to attract investment aimed at unlocking an estimated $6 to $8 billion in annual mineral export potential. The government views the minerals sector as a key driver for export growth, industrial development, and long term economic stability. During the meeting, PM Shehbaz also praised the DFC’s role in strengthening Pakistan US economic ties and promoting joint ventures between private sector entities in both countries. He noted that such partnerships were critical for job creation, technology transfer, and productivity growth, particularly at a time when Pakistan is working to diversify its economic base and expand value added industries.
In response, Benjamin Black briefed the prime minister on the DFC’s strategic priorities and outlined potential projects under consideration in Pakistan. He expressed interest in expanding the agency’s investment footprint in the country, signaling continued engagement in line with the DFC’s mandate to support private sector led development. PM Shehbaz arrived in Washington earlier on Thursday to attend the Board of Peace summit on Gaza. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. Delegations from 20 other countries were also present at the summit, reflecting the broader diplomatic engagements taking place alongside discussions on economic cooperation.
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