Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with newly elected Pakistan Business Council Chairman Ziad Bashir and Chief Executive Javed Kureishi to discuss investment, competitiveness and regulatory reforms, according to the Finance Ministry. The meeting focused on measures that could support private-sector-led economic growth and improve the business environment in Pakistan. The participants also discussed the need for businesses to respond to technological and digital changes taking place across global markets. The engagement comes as Pakistan continues efforts to strengthen investment activity, improve competitiveness and advance reforms aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth.
During the meeting, Muhammad Aurangzeb stressed the importance of placing greater emphasis on private-sector-led growth, with businesses playing a stronger role in expanding economic activity and investment. The finance minister noted that companies need to adapt to technological and digital transformation as business models and markets continue to change. He also encouraged the Pakistan Business Council to undertake concise and sector-specific research that can provide practical recommendations for policymakers. According to the Finance Ministry, such research could help improve the policymaking process by providing focused recommendations based on the requirements and challenges faced by individual sectors of the economy.
The finance minister also highlighted the importance of drawing lessons from international experiences while ensuring that Pakistan’s policies remain aligned with evolving global practices. The discussion covered ways to improve the country’s investment environment and strengthen its ability to attract international financing. Aurangzeb pointed to potential opportunities to mobilise financing through international institutions, including the United States International Development Finance Corporation and the United States Export-Import Bank. He stressed the importance of developing investment-ready projects that can meet the requirements of international financing institutions and provide a stronger basis for attracting external investment into Pakistan.
Investment and competitiveness were discussed alongside the broader regulatory reform agenda. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Finance Ministry and Pakistan Business Council leadership to exchange views on measures that could improve conditions for businesses operating in Pakistan. The emphasis on private-sector participation reflects the government’s efforts to increase the contribution of businesses to economic activity while addressing regulatory and policy issues that can affect investment decisions. The focus on technology adoption also points to the growing importance of digital capabilities for Pakistani companies seeking to compete in domestic and international markets.
The meeting also covered Pakistan’s tax policy and the government’s ongoing work on a medium-term tax policy framework. Tax policy remains an important part of the broader economic reform agenda, particularly in efforts to strengthen revenue mobilisation and establish a more predictable framework for businesses. The discussion between the finance minister and Pakistan Business Council leadership brought together issues related to investment, competitiveness, technology adoption, regulatory reforms and taxation. The Finance Ministry said the minister encouraged continued engagement and practical research from the business community to support informed policymaking. The discussions underline the government’s focus on private-sector-led growth, international financing opportunities and policy reforms as part of efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s economic and investment environment.
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