KARACHI – Pakistan’s push to attract foreign investment gained fresh momentum as UK Government and the Sindh government joined forces to engage leading British businesses and multinational companies on sweeping reforms aimed at making the country a more attractive destination for investors.
The high-level roundtable, held on July 28, brought together senior government officials, UK investors and multinational business leaders to discuss key challenges affecting Pakistan’s investment climate and identify reforms that could unlock greater foreign investment and sustainable economic growth.
Hosted jointly by the UK Government and the Government of Sindh, the meeting focused on issues that investors consider critical before committing capital. Participants highlighted the need for predictable government policies, a simpler tax system, transparent regulations, efficient foreign exchange procedures, modern infrastructure and an improved overall business environment.
Deputy British High Commissioner Alison Blackburne said British companies have remained committed to Pakistan for decades, investing across sectors, creating employment opportunities, transferring expertise and contributing to the country’s economic development.
She said the UK wants to see its economic partnership with Pakistan expand further and is actively supporting government institutions in simplifying regulations, strengthening public institutions and removing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that discourage investment.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah welcomed the continued confidence shown by British businesses in the province and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business. He stressed that close coordination between the federal and provincial governments is essential to accelerate reforms in taxation, customs, regulation, digitalisation and investment facilitation.
Officials at the meeting highlighted that UK-backed programmes have already helped secure the approval of more than 500 regulatory reforms over the past year. The reforms are designed to simplify business rules, improve governance, strengthen institutions and reduce compliance burdens for local and foreign investors alike.
UK is also supporting Karachi’s implementation of the World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) framework, an initiative aimed at identifying and removing practical barriers facing businesses. The programme targets reforms in company registration, taxation, utility services and commercial dispute resolution to create a more competitive business ecosystem.
