PM invites US-based Pakistani business leaders to invest in Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday invited Pakistani business personalities and professionals based in the United States to invest in Pakistan, saying the government was providing a conducive environment to promote investment and business activities. The meetings took place in New York, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.

The prime minister met delegations associated with information technology, artificial intelligence, automobiles, energy, construction and other sectors. He told them that business personalities and professionals were Pakistan's ambassadors, and that their positive contributions around the world had enhanced the country's image.

Speaking about taxation, Shehbaz Sharif said reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue had helped address the issues faced by the business community. He also said the government was taking measures on a priority basis to promote innovation in the agricultural sector for the development of the country's agriculture.

According to the APP report, the business and professional delegations appreciated the reforms and initiatives being undertaken under the prime minister's leadership in agriculture, industry and exports. They particularly welcomed the reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue.

The report did not mention any specific investment commitments or new agreements. The meetings were attended by Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme; Bilal Bin Saqib, special assistant to the prime minister; Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nations; Rizwan Ahmed Sheikh, Pakistan's ambassador to the United States; Musharraf Zaidi, the prime minister's spokesperson for foreign media; Syed Qamar Raza, chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation; Afzaal Bhatti, managing director of the foundation; and other senior officials.