ISLAMABAD: Chaudhary Salik Hussain, the Federal Minister overseeing the Board of Investment (BOI) and Special Initiatives, along with Fareena Mazhar, the Secretary of BOI, took part in the D-8 Investment Conference held in Istanbul on Thursday. This conference was organized to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the D-8 Organization.




"I am pleased to announce that Pakistan's vital agriculture sector exhibited a growth of 4.4 percent in FY2022, driven by a robust 6.6 percent increase in crop production and a commendable 3.3 percent rise in livestock output. The Government of Pakistan is committed to easing taxes and duties on various agricultural equipment and machinery, thus fostering a supportive environment. I extend an invitation to the D-8 member nations to collaborate with Pakistan in the pursuit of food security and the transformation of our country into an agriculturally abundant nation," stated the Minister for BOI during his address at the D-8 Investment Forum.

Engaging with delegates from the D-8 countries, the minister welcomed them to explore compelling investment opportunities, particularly within Pakistan's special economic zones.

"The Government of Pakistan envisions a trajectory that will position our nation as a hub for high-end commerce, technology, and manufacturing," emphasized the BOI Minister.

Secretary of BOI, Fareena Mazhar, presented an elaborate overview of Pakistan's recent business reforms at the D-8 Investment Forum. She enlightened the audience about initiatives aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business. "Pakistan has not only significantly improved its security landscape but has also instituted substantial regulatory reforms, earning recognition from prestigious global entities such as the World Trade Organization, the World Economic Forum, and the World Bank," she highlighted.

In a bid to attract investment, the BOI Secretary invited business leaders to explore the diverse investment prospects across multiple sectors in Pakistan. She accentuated Pakistan's strategic location, which provides access to three continents and 68 countries, facilitated by its integration into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Prior to this, the Minister and Secretary of BOI held a productive meeting with DEiK and the Turkish business community.

The BOI Minister reaffirmed the government's dedication to fostering a favorable environment for businesses and investors in Pakistan. "We are resolutely working to shape Pakistan into a premier center for commerce, technology, and manufacturing," reiterated the Minister.

The D-8, comprising Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, stands as a global arrangement. Formed with the objective of enhancing economic cooperation and bolstering member states' global economic presence, the organization strives to diversify trade relations and elevate participation in international decision-making. The organization celebrated its 25th anniversary on June 16, 2022, an occasion that the Minister and Secretary for BOI marked by participating in the silver jubilee reception in Istanbul.