Houston,Texas, Sep 29 (APP):Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh attended a special dinner hosted in his honour by President Pakistan American Congress (PAC) Dr. Ashraf Abbasi in Houston, Texas, with the participation of prominent Pakistani-American community leaders, business personalities, professionals and entrepreneurs. The event was also attended by Consul General of Pakistan in Houston Aftab Chaudhary. The programme was arranged with the support of Mr. Iqbal Sheikh, …
BOI minister highlights Pakistan’s investment opportunities, SEZ incentives, economic reforms at Houston gathering
Houston,Texas, Sep 29 (APP):Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh attended a special dinner hosted in his honour by President Pakistan American Congress (PAC) Dr. Ashraf Abbasi in Houston, Texas, with the participation of prominent Pakistani-American community leaders, business personalities, professionals and entrepreneurs.
The event was also attended by Consul General of Pakistan in Houston Aftab Chaudhary.
The programme was arranged with the support of Mr. Iqbal Sheikh, a prominent educationist based in Austin, Texas, who has been associated with the Pakistani-American and business communities in the United States for many years.
BOI Minister served as Public Relations Officer at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) for 20 years and remained associated with the business group for 10 years, said a release issued here on Tuesday.
The Pakistan American Congress, established in 1990, is an umbrella organization of Pakistani associations of North America. It describes itself as a non-profit, non-partisan and non-religious community organization working to promote goodwill and cordial relations between Pakistan and the United States and their people, while providing a platform for social, educational and community activities.
Speaking to the media, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said that the interaction provided an opportunity to discuss Pakistan’s economic development, investment climate and avenues for stronger business and investment linkages between Pakistan and the United States.
The Federal Minister said that Pakistan was witnessing increasing interest from investors internationally and that the government was taking measures to further improve the investment environment.
He said that the country offered opportunities across a range of sectors, including information technology and IT-enabled services, food processing and agriculture, textiles and value-added manufacturing, automobiles, logistics, tourism and hospitality, housing and construction, as well as other industrial and services sectors.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh particularly highlighted the potential of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as platforms for industrial investment, manufacturing, exports and employment generation. He said that SEZs provide investors with dedicated infrastructure, streamlined regulatory and administrative processes and facilitation mechanisms.
Under the SEZ framework, eligible zone developers and enterprises can avail themselves of a one-time exemption from customs duties and taxes on imported capital goods, along with income-tax exemption up to 2035, subject to the applicable legal provisions.
The Federal Minister said that Pakistan’s regulatory reform agenda was aimed at reducing unnecessary procedures and compliance burdens, simplifying business processes and making the regulatory environment more transparent and efficient.
He highlighted the work being undertaken through the Cabinet Committee on Regulatory Reforms (CCoRR) and the Board of Investment to modernize regulations, streamline approvals and facilitate businesses and investors.
He also emphasized the importance of Pakistan’s large and increasingly skilled young population as a major national asset. The Federal Minister said that investment in technology, entrepreneurship, skills development, modern industries and export-oriented businesses could provide greater opportunities for young Pakistanis while strengthening the country’s productive capacity.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh invited Pakistani-American entrepreneurs, professionals and investors to explore partnerships and investment opportunities in Pakistan, saying that the diaspora could play an important role in connecting Pakistan with international markets, technology, expertise and capital.
The participants held an exchange of views on Pakistan’s economic outlook, investment facilitation, industrial development, exports, entrepreneurship and potential areas for Pakistan–US business cooperation. The discussion also focused on strengthening direct linkages between Pakistani businesses and the Pakistani-American business community.
The Federal Minister appreciated Dr. Ashraf Abbasi, the Pakistan American Congress, Consul General Aftab Chaudhary, Mr. Iqbal Sheikh and the organizers for arranging the gathering and facilitating interaction with Pakistani-American business and community representatives.
At the conclusion of the programme, certificates of appreciation were presented to distinguished participants, while Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh was also presented with a special shield in recognition of his participation.
The Federal Minister reiterated the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating investment, strengthening the business environment, promoting exports and creating greater opportunities for productive investment and employment in the country.
