Minister speaks at CTIS: Global partners invited to explore vast economic potential

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh invites global investors to partner with Pakistan at Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit.

Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, addressed the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS) 2026 in London, presenting Pakistan as a dynamic, reform-driven, and investment-ready economy, and inviting global partners to explore its vast economic potential.

Addressing distinguished delegates, policymakers, and business leaders from across the Commonwealth, the Federal Minister expressed gratitude to the Government of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), and its Chairman, Lord Marland, for convening the summit. He also acknowledged the support of Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Mohammad Faisal, in facilitating Pakistan’s effective participation.

In his keynote address, the Minister delivered a strong message to the global investment community, stating that “Pakistan is open, Pakistan is ready, and Pakistan seeks to be your partner of first choice.” He emphasized that with a population exceeding 240 million—predominantly young and enterprising—alongside improving macroeconomic indicators and a reform-oriented government, Pakistan stands at the threshold of a new era of stability, opportunity, and growth.

Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic direction, the Minister noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan is actively pursuing an agenda of economic revival, investment promotion, and institutional reforms aimed at sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

The Minister underscored Pakistan’s strategic geographic advantage, noting the country’s role as a vital connectivity hub linking South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and China. He stated that with operational ports at Gwadar and Karachi, and infrastructure developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan offers global investors access to markets of over 3 billion people. He invited Commonwealth countries to utilize Pakistan as a manufacturing hub, transit economy, and secure investment destination in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Outlining key reforms, the Federal Minister highlighted the Government’s comprehensive approach to improving ease of doing business. He noted that the Board of Investment (BOI), as the apex investment promotion agency under the Prime Minister’s Office, is spearheading initiatives to simplify regulatory procedures, enhance transparency, and provide one-window facilitation to investors.

He informed participants about the Pakistan Investment Policy 2023, aimed at increasing the investment-to-GDP ratio from 15% to 20% through targeted incentives and improved coordination between federal and provincial authorities. He also highlighted the Pakistan Regulatory Modernization Initiative (PRMI), under which over 400 reforms have been implemented, resulting in significant cost savings for businesses and improved regulatory efficiency.

The Minister further shared that initiatives such as the Asaan Karobar Act 2025, Business Facilitation Centres (BFCs), and digitalization measures—including e-registry systems and business portals—are transforming Pakistan’s business landscape. These reforms are enabling faster approvals, reducing compliance burdens, and facilitating new business creation and job generation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026