By Safina Khan | VOA News
ISLAMABAD/ Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited Pakistani-American business leaders and professionals to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, assuring them that the government is working to create a more business-friendly environment.
The prime minister held separate meetings with delegations representing a range of sectors, including information technology, artificial intelligence, automobiles, energy and construction, as well as other emerging industries.
Welcoming the participants, Sharif described Pakistani businesspeople and professionals living abroad as “ambassadors of Pakistan”, saying their achievements and positive contributions around the world help strengthen the country’s image.
He said the government was taking steps to encourage investment and expand business activity, while reforms within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) were aimed at addressing long-standing concerns of the business community.
Sharif also highlighted the government’s focus on innovation in agriculture, saying modern technology and new approaches were being prioritised to support the development of Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
Members of the business delegations praised the government’s initiatives in agriculture, industry and exports, with particular appreciation for reforms aimed at improving the FBR and facilitating businesses.
The meetings brought together senior government officials and representatives involved in Pakistan’s overseas engagement, including Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme; Special Assistant Bilal bin Saqib; Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Asim Iftikhar; Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Ahmad Sheikh; Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media Mashraf Zaydi; Syed Qamar Raza, Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation; and Managing Director Afzal Bhatti.
The discussions form part of the government’s broader efforts to engage the Pakistani diaspora and attract overseas investment in sectors considered important for Pakistan’s economic growth.
