ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division, Ahad Cheema, on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review the strategic roadmap of the Board of Investment (BOI). The session was attended by Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, the Secretary BOI, and other senior officials.
The meeting focused on measures to boost economic growth, improve Pakistan’s investment climate, and attract more foreign direct investment (FDI). During the briefing, Ahad Cheema expressed satisfaction with the progress of regulatory reforms. He noted that a comprehensive reforms package is under development, which he described as a potential game changer for Pakistan’s investment environment.
The minister stressed the urgent need to operationalize Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in an efficient manner. He highlighted that SEZs play a central role in industrial expansion, job creation, and technological progress. According to him, effective coordination between federal and provincial governments is essential to ensure the success and competitiveness of these zones.
Cheema further emphasized the adoption of data-driven and market-based strategies for SEZ development. He directed that industrial growth and export promotion must be backed by evidence-based planning to attract international investors. He also appreciated the collaborative role of provincial governments in aligning with BOI’s reform agenda, calling it vital for creating a unified investment framework.
In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Ahad Cheema underlined the importance of improving Pakistan’s “Business Ready” ranking. He said that strengthening the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) framework will enhance transparency, global competitiveness, and investor confidence.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly ecosystem. He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms will make Pakistan a strong regional hub for trade and investment.
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