PM Shehbaz Sharif Promotes Foreign Investment in Meeting with UK Business Delegation

LAHORE: On Sunday, PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s commitment to attracting foreign investment as a top priority to support Pakistan’s economic growth. This statement was made during a meeting in Lahore with a high-profile delegation of British business leaders, led by Zuber Issa.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz highlighted recent improvements in the country’s economic landscape, which he credited to his government’s dedicated efforts. “The country’s economy has been on an upward trajectory in recent days, boosting investor confidence,” he said. He encouraged the UK business delegation to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, emphasizing the government’s facilitation measures, such as the one-window operation at the Special Investment Facilitation Council. This council aims to streamline processes for the business and trade sectors, making it easier and more efficient for foreign investors to operate in Pakistan.

In the discussion, both sides explored new areas of cooperation and ways to enhance business-to-business relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The UK delegation expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s economic policies and voiced confidence in the country’s stability and growth potential.

This visit follows another high-profile meeting last week when PM Shehbaz Sharif met with the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) delegation in Doha. He invited Qatari investors to explore Pakistan’s key economic sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and finance. The QBA delegation responded positively, expressing interest in expanding their investments within Pakistan, particularly in sectors essential for regional stability and growth.

Pakistani officials accompanying the prime minister included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Together, they engaged with Qatari representatives to discuss potential collaborations aimed at fostering job creation, innovation, and sustainable development for both countries.

Through these efforts, the Pakistani government continues to strengthen its economic ties with key international partners, emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation to bolster economic stability and growth within the region.