Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh participated in CEO Summit Islamabad 2026 and delivered the keynote address on the theme, “Growth in Testing Times: Reshaping the Future,” highlighting the importance of investment-led economic growth, policy consistency, private-sector engagement and institutional reforms in strengthening Pakistan’s economy.
The summit, organized by CEO Club Pakistan, brought together prominent business leaders, chief executive officers, diplomats and other distinguished participants to discuss economic challenges, emerging opportunities and strategies for sustainable growth in a rapidly changing global environment. The Federal Minister thanked Mr. Ijaz Nisar, President and Founder of CEO Club Pakistan, for inviting him to address the distinguished gathering.
Addressing the participants, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said that Pakistan was continuously striving to strengthen its economy, consolidate economic stability and create new opportunities for sustainable growth. He observed that while the country had faced considerable economic challenges, these circumstances also presented an opportunity to improve the business environment, strengthen economic foundations and reshape the country’s future through a long-term, investment-oriented approach.
Emphasizing the central role of investment in economic recovery and development, the Minister stated that investment was essential for generating employment, introducing modern technologies, enhancing productivity, expanding industrial capacity and increasing exports. He stressed that Pakistan needed to attract both domestic and foreign investment to unlock its economic potential and build a more resilient and competitive economy.
Referring to China’s economic experience, the Federal Minister highlighted that China had achieved double-digit economic growth for three decades and emphasized that Pakistan could draw valuable lessons from its development model, particularly in promoting investment, expanding productive capacity, strengthening industrial development and maintaining a long-term focus on economic transformation.
The Minister identified information technology, agriculture and agro-processing, mining and minerals, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and tourism as sectors offering substantial investment opportunities in Pakistan. He underscored the need to translate these opportunities into productive investment, stronger businesses, increased exports and employment generation, while encouraging investors to explore the country’s diverse economic potential.
Highlighting the role of the Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said that the institution was committed to facilitating investors, removing unnecessary hurdles and improving coordination among relevant government departments. He emphasized that investors required policy consistency, clear regulations, timely decisions and a predictable business environment to make long-term investment commitments.
The Minister stated that the government was undertaking measures to make it easier for businesses to establish, operate and expand in Pakistan. He stressed that efforts to improve the investment climate must also address the concerns of existing investors, facilitate business expansion and strengthen investor confidence through effective institutional coordination and responsive public services.
He further emphasized that sustainable economic growth could not be achieved by the government alone, noting that the private sector was a central partner in Pakistan’s economic transformation. Business leaders and chief executive officers, he said, possessed practical experience and valuable insights into market conditions, operational challenges and emerging commercial opportunities. Regular engagement between policymakers and the business community was therefore essential for developing effective policies and addressing barriers to growth.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh observed that Pakistan possessed significant strengths, including a talented young population, a large domestic market, abundant natural resources and a strategic geographical location. He said that realizing the full potential of these advantages required a concerted national effort to encourage entrepreneurship, promote innovation, strengthen business competitiveness and create an environment conducive to investment.
The Federal Minister also highlighted the important contribution overseas Pakistanis could make towards national economic development. He noted that their role extended beyond remittances to include direct investment, business partnerships, technology transfer, access to international markets and the development of global commercial networks. Greater engagement with the Pakistani diaspora, he said, could help connect domestic businesses with international opportunities and attract additional investment into the country.
Addressing the summit’s central theme, the Minister stressed that challenging economic circumstances required confidence, a long-term vision and close cooperation among the government, private sector, investors and international partners. He called for a shared commitment to investment-led growth, improved policies and a business environment that encouraged productive economic activity.
Concluding his address, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh expressed confidence that stronger public-private cooperation, consistent policies and a sustained focus on investment would enable Pakistan to build a more resilient, productive and competitive economy. He reiterated the government’s commitment to facilitating investors and working with the business community to convert Pakistan’s economic potential into tangible opportunities for growth and prosperity.
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