By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for the Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has highlighted Pakistan’s vast investment potential for Chinese investors during a meeting with a delegation from the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Institute.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Li Kouqing, Deputy Director of the CAREC Institute, and Dr. Ghulam Samad, Chief of its Research Division. Senior Board of Investment officials, including Additional Secretary Zulfiqar Ali and Director General Mehmood Tufail, were also present.

During the meeting, the minister welcomed the delegation and appreciated Dr. Li Kouqing’s efforts to strengthen institutional engagement and promote economic cooperation. Recalling his participation in a CAREC event in Urumqi, China, last year, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh thanked the CAREC leadership for facilitating his meeting with the Chinese finance minister on the sidelines of the event.

He stressed the importance of maintaining high-level engagement with Chinese leadership and institutions to strengthen bilateral economic relations and promote mutually beneficial cooperation.

Dr. Li Kouqing expressed interest in expanding collaboration between the CAREC Institute, the Board of Investment and relevant government institutions. He proposed organising investment-focused events in different cities across Pakistan to bring together policymakers, researchers, investors and business representatives and showcase the country’s economic potential.

Welcoming the proposal, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh assured the delegation of the government’s full support in facilitating such initiatives. He said closer institutional cooperation and direct engagement with investors could help identify promising sectors, improve awareness of investment opportunities and attract greater foreign investment.

The minister highlighted Pakistan’s large consumer market, substantial workforce and opportunities in manufacturing, technology, agriculture, minerals, infrastructure and other growth-oriented sectors. He noted that Pakistan has the world’s fifth-largest population, offering considerable potential for business expansion and investment.

Sharing his recent experience of engaging with international investors, the minister said he had visited the United States approximately three weeks earlier and held meetings with several investors. He observed that international investors were showing interest in exploring opportunities in Pakistan.

Although Pakistan’s markets remain less developed in certain areas than those of neighbouring countries, he said this also creates significant opportunities for growth, expansion and new investment. He emphasised that effective government facilitation, a supportive business environment and strong international partnerships could help attract investment, generate employment and strengthen the country’s productive capacity.

The minister also highlighted upcoming international and regional engagements as opportunities to promote Pakistan as an investment destination. He said Pakistan was scheduled to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit next year, with Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to attend. A business forum was also planned alongside the SCO-related engagements to facilitate interaction among investors, business leaders and policymakers.

Furthermore, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said a Pakistan Tech Forum was planned for the following month, reflecting the government’s focus on technology-driven investment, innovation and business collaboration.

He reiterated that the government was committed to facilitating domestic and foreign investors through improved coordination, streamlined procedures and assistance in identifying viable investment opportunities. He also welcomed constructive engagement with international institutions, research organisations and business communities to strengthen economic cooperation and support sustainable growth.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to explore further cooperation between the CAREC Institute, the Board of Investment and relevant government institutions, including joint events and initiatives aimed at highlighting Pakistan’s investment potential and deepening economic ties between Pakistan and China.

The Board of Investment reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating investors, strengthening international partnerships and positioning Pakistan as an attractive destination for investment.