Pakistan today initiated a critical needs assessment in collaboration with global trade bodies to overhaul its investment ecosystem, aiming to create a smoother, more transparent, and predictable environment for foreign investors.
The effort seeks to address existing gaps in the country”s investment framework through the implementation of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement.
The Board of Investment (BOI), in partnership with the WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC), organized a two-day IFD Needs Assessment Workshop at the Marriott Hotel. The event brought together representatives from government ministries, regulatory agencies, and development partners to evaluate and improve the nation”s capacity to attract and retain sustainable foreign capital.
Ambassador Ali Sarfraz Hussain, Pakistan”s Permanent Representative to the WTO, stated that the workshop’s objective is to ensure the investment process becomes seamless and reliable. He emphasized that adopting the WTO”s IFD Agreement will help the country identify correct reform pathways and enhance coordination between public and private sector institutions to improve the overall investment climate.
In his welcome address, BOI Secretary Jamil Ahmad Qureshi noted that Pakistan”s active role in the IFD Agreement underscores a strong commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment. He described the workshop as a milestone for assessing the existing investment structure, identifying deficiencies, and developing an implementation roadmap aligned with international best practices.
Secretary Qureshi stressed that effective investment facilitation demands a “whole-of-government” approach, reinforcing the joint strategy of the BOI and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to fast-track investment procedures and ensure policy continuity.
Technical sessions conducted by international experts focused on key provisions of the IFD Agreement. Quan Zhao, a Senior Programme Manager from the ITC, led a session on leveraging digital tools, highlighting best practices for developing effective online investment portals to simplify application processes and reduce time and costs for investors seeking licenses in Pakistan.
Another critical session on institutional coordination, led by WTO and Government of Pakistan expert Rashid S., detailed the necessity of a unified strategy. The discussion centered on creating effective collaboration mechanisms among central ministries, provincial authorities, and regulatory agencies to offer a consistent and predictable experience for investors nationwide. Participants also engaged in self-assessment exercises to pinpoint national priorities.
This initiative is part of Pakistan”s ongoing reforms to improve its regulatory framework, streamline procedures, and position the nation as a more competitive destination for global investment.