Special talk on ‘Pakistan’s Investment landscape: Challenges, opportunities and way forward’
China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Special Talk on “Pakistan’s Investment Landscape: Challenges, Opportunities and Way Forward.” The Guest Speaker on the occasion was Mr. Azfar Ahsan, former Minister of State & Chairman Board of Investment (BOI).
He stressed the critical need for a comprehensive strategy to attract both local and foreign investors. The former state minister emphasized that investment success in Pakistan hinged on supporting and facilitating existing investors, a crucial step toward creating a sustainable investment climate. He strongly advocated for a long-term national approach including framing of a “country strategy” to improve investor confidence and ensure economic stability.
Ahsan highlighted the importance of foundational reforms across all sectors of the economy. He argued that Pakistan must move away from reactive policies and focus on creating a business- and investment-friendly environment. This requires consistent policy frameworks, regardless of political changes, as well as a commitment to improving infrastructure, governance, institutional capacity, and law and order. These efforts, he noted, would not only attract new foreign direct investment (FDI) but also strengthen relationships with existing investors, which was critically important.
He drew the attention of the audience towards potential for joint ventures between Pakistani and foreign investors, particularly in sectors like technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.
