Pakistan unanimously elected as WAIPA Regional Director for South Asia (2025–27)

ISLAMABAD, Oct 22 (APP): Pakistan has been unanimously elected as the new Regional Director of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) for South Asia for the term 2025–27 during the WAIPA General Assembly and Steering Committee elections held as part of the 29th WAIPA World Investment Conference 2025 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Kuwait, the Dominican Republic, and South Korea were elected as the President and Vice Presidents of WAIPA, respectively. WAIPA Executive Director and CEO Ismail Ersahin congratulated the newly elected leadership, said a news release here on Wednesday.
Minister for Investment and Chairman Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, represented Pakistan at the WAIPA General Assembly. In his address, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing among Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) across the globe.
He termed Pakistan’s election as a great and timely development ahead of the World Investment Conference 2025, which brings together leaders from over 140 countries to shape the future of investment promotion amid digital and economic transformation.
The Minister said that this prestigious directorship will enable Pakistan to strengthen its investment promotion initiatives and enhance regional cooperation to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in South Asia.
Highlighting the benefits of WAIPA membership, he noted that Pakistan would have the opportunity to network with global IPAs, exchange expertise, and access international best practices and research resources to enhance investment facilitation efforts.
Qaiser Shaikh emphasized that Pakistan’s election stands as a testament to the country’s strong commitment to advancing foreign investment and economic growth.
He reiterated the government’s resolve to work closely with WAIPA and its member states to promote sustainable investment.
Congratulating the WAIPA Board and Team for organizing the General Assembly and the World Investment Conference 2025, the Minister extended his gratitude to the WAIPA community for their confidence in Pakistan’s Board of Investment.
He lauded the BOI team for their dedication and hard work, asserting that Pakistan is ready to lead and contribute actively in the global investment arena.
WAIPA Executive Director and CEO Ismail Ersahin congratulated the Minister for Pakistan’s election as Regional Director for South Asia. During the meeting, Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh invited the WAIPA team to visit Pakistan and offered to host the next World Investment Conference in Islamabad, stressing the need for a more proactive WAIPA role in supporting Pakistan’s investment promotion agenda.