Gilani calls for stronger engagement with overseas Pakistani business community to boost investment

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, on Tuesday underscored the vital role of overseas Pakistanis in promoting investment, strengthening economic diplomacy and enhancing Pakistan’s global image, saying the country’s diaspora served not only as ambassadors of Pakistan but also as a bridge connecting international markets, innovation, technology and investment opportunities.

He expressed these views while addressing a distinguished delegation of the New York Chamber of Small Business Corp., USA, led by its Founder President Syed Alamdar Hussain Shah, along with prominent businessmen from the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Pakistan, during a formal luncheon hosted in their honour at the Senate of Pakistan.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman Senate said their visit reflected a shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation, fostering stronger partnerships and creating new avenues for investment between Pakistan and overseas Pakistani entrepreneurs.

He appreciated the delegation’s proactive engagement with lawmakers, government institutions and the local business community, describing it as a positive step towards deepening economic collaboration.

The Chairman Senate expressed gratitude for the citation presented to him on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day. He said he accepted the honour with humility, considering it not as personal recognition but as a tribute to Pakistan, its democratic institutions and the millions of overseas Pakistanis whose integrity, professionalism and hard work continue to strengthen the country’s reputation around the world.

Highlighting the importance of trust in economic relations, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said investment and trade reinforce confidence between nations.

He remarked that when businesses prosper together, stronger and more enduring international partnerships emerge, adding that the delegation’s visit symbolized confidence in Pakistan’s economic future.

The Chairman Senate said Pakistan offers immense investment potential owing to its young population, expanding digital economy, strategic geographical location and abundant natural resources.

He said the government’s ongoing reforms to improve the ease of doing business, coupled with the work of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), have significantly enhanced coordination and facilitation for investors.

Emphasizing the role of Parliament in economic development, he said the Senate remains committed to promoting legislation and policies that encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, investment and job creation.

He said stable democratic institutions, effective legislation and strong parliamentary oversight are essential for building investor confidence and ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed the hope that the interaction would mark the beginning of an enduring institutional relationship between the Senate of Pakistan and overseas Pakistani business organizations.

He stressed that such engagement should evolve into a continuous dialogue, enabling lawmakers to better understand the aspirations of the global Pakistani community while benefiting from their expertise and international experience.

The Chairman Senate said every successful nation draws strength from its diaspora, adding that overseas Pakistanis are playing an instrumental role in building bridges between Pakistan and global markets.

He called upon the business community to transform goodwill into investment, investment into opportunity, and opportunity into shared prosperity for Pakistan.

The Chairman Senate wished the visiting delegation a productive stay in Pakistan and expressed confidence that their efforts would contribute significantly to strengthening economic cooperation, expanding bilateral business linkages and reinforcing the enduring bonds between Pakistan and overseas Pakistani entrepreneurs.