ISLAMABAD: On the directives of Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, a “Balochistan Investment Conference” was arranged by the Balochistan Board of Investment & Trade (BBoIT) in collaboration with the Pakistan-China Economic and Cultural Council (PCECC) at a local hotel in Islamabad.
The conference was held under the theme “Fostering Investment, Transforming Potential into Prosperity” and was attended by federal and provincial officials, investors, business leaders, diplomatic representatives, and distinguished personalities from various sectors.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the significance of Balochistan in the country’s development, CPEC projects, regional connectivity, and national economic stability. He invited investors to capitalize on the vast opportunities available in Balochistan and assured them of the government’s full support.
He stated that CPEC provides a pathway for the development of both Balochistan and Pakistan, adding that the federal government is utilizing all available resources to ensure the province’s progress and prosperity.
Vice Chairman of the Balochistan Board of Investment & Trade, Mr. Bilal Khan Kakar, stated that Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest and resource-rich province, offering immense investment opportunities. He emphasized that the province possesses extraordinary potential in minerals, energy, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, tourism, and industrial sectors.
He further noted that the Government of Balochistan is providing investors with one-window facilitation, a business-friendly environment, and effective policy support. In this regard, a Business Facilitation Center has also been established to ensure that investors and business communities receive all necessary services under one roof without unnecessary hurdles.
Mr. Bilal Khan Kakar added that CPEC projects are playing a vital role in transforming Balochistan into a center of regional trade and international investment, while Gwadar Port holds the potential to emerge as a major global trade hub in the future. He further highlighted that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are being developed with investor-friendly incentives and facilities, while enhancing the confidence of local and foreign investors remains a top government priority.
President of the Pakistan-China Economic and Cultural Council, Mr. Bayazeed Kasi, stressed the importance of further strengthening economic cooperation between Pakistan and China and promoting bilateral investment partnerships.
Chief Executive Officer of the Balochistan Board of Investment & Trade, Mr. Qaim Lashari, highlighted Balochistan’s strategic geographic importance, natural resources, investor-friendly policies, and facilitation measures being provided to investors. He also briefed participants about the objectives and operational framework of the Business Facilitation Center.
He stated that Balochistan possesses immense potential to play a key role in Pakistan’s economy and that the government is taking all possible measures to promote investment in the province.
A special panel discussion titled “Unlocking Balochistan’s Economic Potential through CPEC & Strategic Investments” was also held during the conference. Experts discussed extensive investment opportunities in minerals, energy, infrastructure, industrial development, trade, tourism, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
