Pathfinder Group hosted the event, Investment in Pakistan at the Pakistan Pavilion during the World Economic Forum showcasing Pakistan’s stories, progress, and achievements on the global stage. Zarrar Sehgal, Chairman of the Pathfinder Group, moderated the event which featured Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue as the Chief Guest. Esteemed speakers included Olivier M. Schwab (Managing Director, of the World Economic Forum),Abu Bakr (CEO of Pakistan Software Export Board), and Michael Kugelman (Director of Wilson Center’s South AsiaInstitute).
The discussions highlighted Pakistan’s unique potential as an attractive investment destination, with a focus on strategic reforms aimed at addressing critical economic challenges, unlocking long-term growth opportunities and showcasing the potential of technology-led economic strategies, emphasizing the alignment of these initiatives with Pakistan’s broader development goals.
Olivier M. Schwab commended the Pathfinder Group’s collaboration with the World Economic Forum, applauding the success of the Asaan Mobile Account (AMA) providing financial access to over 12 million underserved Pakistanis. He also stated the significance of partnerships and technological advancements for global progress.
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s strides in economic stability, “We’ve stabilized our reserves, strengthened our currency, and achieved record IT exports – this is just the beginning.”
The need for structural reforms like tax expansion, privatization, and export-led FDI to ensure long-term growth is necessary to access international capital markets to reshape Pakistan’s economic landscape. Michael Kugelman emphasized the need to refine the narrative to attract global investors. With macroeconomic stability improving in Pakistan, he suggested this could be the right time to pitch Pakistan’s distinct advantages to the global community.
Abu Bakar stressed the sector’s enormous potential and alignment among various sectors. There are challenges but strong commitment is needed to improve policy and support development in tech and digital sectors. The discussion highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to position itself as a competitive investment destination by leveraging its tech sector, financial inclusion, and innovation through collaboration with global partners.
Thanking everyone attended the event Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman of Pathfinder Group urged the stakeholders to prioritize collective national interests for sustained progress. He highlighted that initiatives like Assan Mobile Account and Agent Interoperability boost financial inclusion resulting in economic growth and development.
