Sustainability-led growth needs vision-driven vision, long-term policies: PFC CEO

LAHORE, Jul 12 (APP): Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq has said sustainable investment-driven economic growth ultimately depends on vision-driven governance, policy continuity and long-term integration strategies.

Chairing a meeting of the PFC Board of Directors here on Sunday, he said Pakistan must move from a transnational investment approach to sustainability-focused strategies, adding that the country’s long-term success lies in integrating Pakistani talent into global leadership pipelines.

He said improving the ease of doing business should go beyond attracting investment and remain consistent throughout operational phases. Predictable tax regimes, timely regulatory approvals and continuity of policies are essential to creating a conducive investment environment, he added.

Mian Kashif said addressing Pakistan’s longstanding skills gap was equally important, noting that international investment offers a unique opportunity to bridge the divide through proactive public-sector engagement. He stressed the need to encourage partnerships between multinational companies and local technical universities to align academic curricula with the requirements of high-tech industries.

He said the global energy landscape was undergoing a profound transformation and Pakistan was increasingly emerging as an important destination for strategic international investment.

The CEO said the prevailing global economic environment required a highly skilled workforce, revitalized technical institutions and greater encouragement for students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines linked to meaningful employment opportunities.

“As 2026 unfolds, the message is clear: international investment is the engine, the local workforce is the navigator, and effective governance must ensure the road ahead remains clear,” he said, adding that these measures would help steer Pakistan towards a more prosperous, skilled and globally integrated future.