Pakistan is gearing up to address its external financial gap with a strategic plan focusing on boosting foreign direct investment (FDI) this year. Key sectors, including energy, aviation, minerals, and agriculture, are expected to attract significant investments.
The Ministry of Finance reports that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have expressed interest in investing in Pakistan, with anticipated growth in FDI in these sectors starting from January next year.
In a move to attract more investments, Pakistan plans to outsource the Islamabad International Airport this month and is actively pursuing the privatization of the national airline, PIA, with Arab companies eyeing investments in airport and seaport operations.
The recent Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council has paved the way for increased investment, supported by the efforts of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to enhance the investment climate in the country.
Sources reveal that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is seeking a briefing on the SIFC’s role, aiming to gain insights into the council’s strategies for improving tax collection and subsidies. Additionally, consultations are ongoing with the International Finance Corporation to transfer management control of power distribution companies to the private sector, with France, Germany, and Korea expressing interest in administrative control agreements for Discos.
