Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, attended a reception hosted in his honour by prominent Pakistani businessmen in Jeddah, including Chaudhry Tariq Iqbal and Mr. Ali Malik, Owner of Kababish Hotel, Jeddah. An overwhelming number of members of the Pakistani business community attended the gathering, reflecting their strong interest in Pakistan’s economic and investment agenda.
The Federal Minister was warmly welcomed by the hosts and members of the business community, who appreciated the Government’s ongoing efforts to improve the investment climate and promote ease of doing business in Pakistan.
Appreciating the Pakistani business community for its entrepreneurial contributions and successful businesses in Saudi Arabia, Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said the Pakistani diaspora is an important economic bridge between the two brotherly countries. He encouraged Pakistani entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia to build on their experience, networks and expertise by exploring opportunities for investment and joint ventures in Pakistan.
Addressing the gathering, the Federal Minister highlighted the Government’s comprehensive agenda to facilitate businesses and investors through regulatory reforms, institutional coordination and improved ease of doing business. He said more than 500 regulatory reforms have been implemented to simplify procedures, reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers and lower compliance burdens for businesses and investors.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh also highlighted the performance of the Business Facilitation Center (BFC), describing it as an important initiative for providing coordinated, one-window facilitation to businesses and investors. He said the BFC brings registrations, licences, NOCs, approvals and other business-related services together through a streamlined mechanism, making the process of establishing and operating businesses easier.
The Minister highlighted the wide range of investment opportunities available in Pakistan, particularly in agriculture and agro-processing, information technology and digital services, mining and minerals, manufacturing, energy, logistics, tourism and export-oriented industries. He said Pakistan’s natural resources, large market, strategic location and growing digital economy offer significant opportunities for investors seeking long-term partnerships.
He also briefed the participants on the opportunities available in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), where investors can benefit from dedicated infrastructure, facilitation and investment incentives. The Minister emphasized that SEZs can serve as platforms for export-oriented production, industrial partnerships and integration into regional and global value chains.
The Federal Minister underlined the role of the Board of Investment (BOI) in facilitating domestic and foreign investors, promoting Pakistan as an investment destination, coordinating with relevant institutions and helping investors navigate the investment process.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said Pakistan is moving towards an investment environment where the focus is not merely on attracting capital but on ensuring that investors experience a simpler, faster and more predictable investment journey.
He invited Pakistani businessmen and entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia to become partners in Pakistan’s next phase of economic growth by bringing investment, technology, expertise and international business networks to the country. He particularly encouraged the community to facilitate Saudi-Pakistan business partnerships and explore joint ventures in emerging and high-potential sectors.
The gathering also provided an opportunity for an open exchange of views between the Federal Minister and members of the Pakistani business community on investment opportunities, regulatory reforms, SEZs, business facilitation and avenues for enhanced economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The Federal Minister reiterated that the Government of Pakistan, through the Board of Investment and relevant institutions, remains committed to creating an enabling investment environment that supports businesses, encourages entrepreneurship and converts Pakistan’s economic potential into sustainable investment, exports and employment opportunities.
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