Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Declares Foreign Investment a Government Priority

Karachi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that promoting foreign investment is the government’s main priority to transform challenges into opportunities. At a high-level meeting in Islamabad, he committed to providing full support to investors, including the creation of special cells for innovation and investment research within Federal Ministries. The meeting focused on enhancing investment ties with Gulf countries, guided by the Special Investment Facilitation Council.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the meeting involved detailed discussions on agreements and memoranda of understanding with Gulf nations, stressing the importance of rigorous feasibility studies for attractive investment projects and the hiring of internationally renowned experts. The Prime Minister demanded high standards for investment projects and called for improved bilateral relations with the Gulf states to expedite the investment process.

Specific directives were issued to expedite projects in renewable energy, like solar power in Multan, Layyah, and Jhang, and to assess the feasibility of railway connections between Reko Diq and Gwadar Port. Additionally, the meeting addressed potential foreign investments in projects like the Chiniot Iron and Iron Ore plants and the development of railway infrastructure for Thar Coal Power Plants.

The completion of dredging work at Gwadar Port, which will facilitate anchoring of larger vessels, was highlighted. Expectations for significant Gulf investment in sectors like renewable energy, oil refining, mining, and financial services were underscored. The meeting saw the attendance of key government officials including Federal Ministers and Special Assistants, who collectively emphasized the strategic importance of these initiatives.