Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Friday held a meeting with ambassadors and high commissioners from ASEAN countries to discuss investment and trade cooperation under Pakistan’s investment facilitation framework.
The delegation included envoys from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar and Brunei. The meeting, attended by senior officials of the Board of Investment and the Ministry of Commerce, focused on enhancing bilateral investment, regional connectivity and public–private partnerships.
The minister briefed the diplomats on Pakistan’s investment climate, highlighting opportunities in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and initiatives under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). He said Pakistan’s current investment strategy aims to attract foreign participation in key sectors including information technology, infrastructure, textiles and mining.
The ASEAN representatives expressed interest in potential collaborations in tourism, food processing and other emerging industries, noting that Pakistan’s strategic location offers access to Central Asia and the Middle East. They welcomed ongoing reforms to streamline investment approvals and improve the ease of doing business.
Officials from the Board of Investment said the government is prioritising export-led growth and long-term partnerships with regional economies. They added that both sides agreed to continue technical discussions to develop sector-specific cooperation frameworks and expand business-to-business linkages.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen economic ties between Pakistan and ASEAN member states, with a focus on mutual growth, regional stability and greater private sector engagement.
