Pakistan is gearing up to address the challenges of a fragmented global economy as it seeks to bolster its position in the race for foreign investment and exports. The country faces diminishing advantages from traditional labor cost benefits, as investors globally are increasingly prioritizing factors such as energy security, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance, policy certainty, and execution capabilities. This evolving landscape requires Pakistan to adopt robust policy and reform measures to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and integrate effectively into global supply chains.
A high-profile webinar titled “Pakistan in a Fragmented Global Economy: Competing for Investment and Exports,” organized by the Eisenhower Fellowships Pakistan Chapter in collaboration with the Harvard Alumni Association, aims to shed light on these critical issues. Scheduled for February 12, 2026, the session will feature a diverse panel of influential speakers from both the public and private sectors, offering insights into Pakistan’s strategic choices for economic growth and international trade.
Among the distinguished participants are Ryan Sturgill, Managing Director of CrossBoundary Group xDevelopment Finance Corp (USA); Courtney Fingar, Founder of Fingar Direct Investment; and key Pakistani policymakers including Musadiq Malik, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Haroon Akhtar Khan, Minister of State for Industries and Production; Syed Yawar Ali, Chairman of Nestlé Pakistan; Shahzad Saleem, Chairman of Nishat Chunian Group; and Dr. Erfa Iqbal, Additional Secretary on the Board of Investment. Their combined expertise spans investment, climate policy, industrial growth, corporate leadership, and trade facilitation.
The webinar will focus on Pakistan’s urgent need to revamp its economic policies in line with global investor expectations. Traditional labor cost advantages that once attracted manufacturers and exporters to Pakistan are no longer sufficient. Instead, international investors are increasingly concerned with stable energy supplies, adherence to ESG standards, clear and predictable policy frameworks, and the government’s ability to execute reforms efficiently.
Pakistan’s policy responses are crucial for securing its place in competitive global supply chains and for enhancing its export capacity. This includes strengthening energy infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted power, adopting ESG-compliant practices to meet international buyer demands, improving regulatory environments to foster business confidence, and accelerating reforms that can streamline operations for industries.
The event will also explore how Pakistan’s ongoing climate commitments and environmental regulations intersect with trade and investment goals, highlighting the growing importance of sustainable development in economic planning. Panelists are expected to discuss actionable strategies for leveraging Pakistan’s strengths while addressing existing vulnerabilities in governance, infrastructure, and market access.
This webinar presents a timely opportunity for stakeholders to understand the evolving global trade environment and Pakistan’s strategic positioning within it. By engaging thought leaders and policymakers, the discussion aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and encourage collaborative efforts to enhance Pakistan’s attractiveness as an investment destination and export hub.
As global economic fragmentation reshapes trade and investment flows, Pakistan’s ability to adapt its policy framework and address investor concerns will determine its success in securing sustainable economic growth and expanding its role in the international market.
Registering for the webinar will provide participants with access to in-depth analysis and forward-looking perspectives essential for businesses, policymakers, and development practitioners focused on Pakistan’s economic future. The session is scheduled for 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm Pakistan Standard Time on February 12, 2026.
This initiative underscores Pakistan’s commitment to engaging with global trends and improving its competitive edge in an increasingly complex international economic landscape.
Register here to join the webinar: https://forms.gle/YrFtRCBQChnUreBAA
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