Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh Calls for Removal of Investment Barriers to Boost Economic Growth

Federal Minister for the Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has called for the removal of barriers to investment and industrial growth.

Speaking to industrialists at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Sheikh highlighted the economic importance of Karachi’s industrial sector.

He said the Korangi Industrial Area accounts for 9 percent of Pakistan’s total exports.

The minister said Pakistan’s business community has significant entrepreneurial potential. He also pointed to China’s economic transformation as an example of how business activity and long-term economic planning can support growth.

Minister Calls for Greater Focus on SMEs and Exports

Sheikh said Pakistan’s economy depends heavily on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

He called for greater policy attention and support for the sector.

The minister also stressed the need to expand Pakistan’s export base. He questioned why the country’s exports have remained around $30 billion for several years while some regional economies have achieved much higher export volumes.

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Sheikh said stronger exports and investment were essential for improving economic performance.

He also said political divisions and other internal challenges had affected economic progress.

The minister highlighted the importance of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement in supporting economic interests abroad.

Sheikh also said he had sought a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss problems facing the business community and obstacles to industrial growth and investment.

KATI Seeks Stronger Economic Role for BOI Minister

Earlier, KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput called for an important economic role for Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh.

Rajput described Sheikh as an experienced businessman with more than five decades of business experience.

He said the minister had experience in business, parliamentary politics and government affairs. Rajput also referred to Sheikh’s previous role as federal minister for maritime affairs and his current responsibility for the BOI.

Business Community Seeks One-Window Investment System

Rajput urged the government to simplify procedures for new industries and investors.

He called for a one-window mechanism covering land acquisition, ownership verification, no-objection certificates and approvals from government departments.

The KATI president also highlighted high energy costs, taxation and delays in tax refunds as key concerns for industry.

He urged the government to address these issues to reduce production costs and improve the investment environment.

Rajput also called for consistent and long-term investment policies.

He said investors need policy stability to make long-term business decisions.

Infrastructure Seen as Key to Investment

Rajput stressed that industrial zones and real estate projects need reliable infrastructure.

He cited electricity, gas, water and road networks among the facilities that should form part of investment planning.

He also said investment should move beyond announcements and paperwork.

Under a one-window system, Rajput said government institutions and industrialists should work together from project approval through implementation.

The event was also addressed by UBG Chairman Khalid Tawab, President Zubair Tufail, former MNA Kanwar Qutbuddin and KATI Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed.