PM Sharif Invites US Business Leaders to Invest in Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan offers vast investment opportunities across multiple sectors, with the government undertaking structural and policy reforms to facilitate businesses and attract private-sector investment. He made the remarks during meetings with delegations from the Business Council for International Understanding and the US-Pakistan Business Council in New York, attended by business leaders from IT, AI, finance, beverages, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.

IT and AI Among Government Priorities

Shehbaz said Pakistan-US relations had improved significantly over the past year, with the economy stabilising and moving towards growth. He said digitising the economy, technology, and e-governance was progressing rapidly, with IT and AI among the government's key priorities, alongside reforms at the FBR to improve ease of doing business.

Investment Potential in Agriculture, Mining

The PM highlighted opportunities in agriculture, mining and minerals, and ports and shipping, saying greater use of AI and modern machinery could boost agricultural productivity while cutting production costs. He also invited overseas Pakistani business leaders to invest, calling them "ambassadors" for the country's economic development.

Focus on Youth Skills

Shehbaz called Pakistan's youth a valuable national asset, highlighting vocational training and skills-development programmes, including expanded IT and AI training to prepare young people for changing labour-market demands. He noted that Pakistan International Airlines had been privatised, with power distribution companies set to follow.

Regional Peace Crucial for Investment

Shehbaz said Pakistan was playing a role in promoting regional peace, expressing hope for long-term stability through cooperation among friendly countries, adding that such stability was important for creating conditions conducive to business and investment.