Federal Board of Investment Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh held a high-level meeting with a delegation comprising Brigadier Abid Cheema, CEO of The Silicon Village (Pakistan’s largest tax-free technology park) and Executive Director of Business Development at Capital Smart City, along with David Dai, Executive Director of Sino British Regional Development Fund Management Co Ltd. Senior officials from the Board of Investment, including Additional Secretary Erfa Iqbal, DG Mehmood Tufail, and SAPM on China Zafaruddin, also attended the meeting.
Delegation Welcomed, Investment Interest Appreciated
The federal minister warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and appreciated their interest in exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan. The delegation thanked the minister for taking out dedicated time for an in-depth discussion on future collaboration.
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During the meeting, Mr. David Dai shared his extensive experience, highlighting his work since the late 1980s and 1990s in facilitating technology transfer initially from the United States to China, and now from China to other regions globally. He emphasized that Pakistan holds significant potential in emerging technology sectors, particularly in areas such as computer chip packaging, conductors, green energy chargers, and advanced manufacturing and research.
Brigadier Abid Cheema briefed the minister on the ongoing developments at The Silicon Village, including Pakistan’s first tax-free technology zone and the establishment of the country’s first AI-powered data center. The minister appreciated these pioneering initiatives and termed them as landmark achievements for Pakistan’s technology landscape.
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Mr. Dai further informed that their company operates a technology park in China and is considering establishing sister technology parks in collaboration with The Silicon Village in Pakistan. He also expressed keen interest from Chinese investors in lithium-based technologies and potential investments in Southern Pakistan, particularly Karachi, as well as in Pakistan Steel Mills. The federal minister briefed the delegation on ongoing discussions with Russia regarding Pakistan Steel Mills and invited them to visit Karachi to explore opportunities firsthand. He also highlighted the recent discovery of iron ore reserves in Chiniot, underscoring Pakistan’s untapped mineral potential.
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The minister elaborated on the incentives offered under Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including a 9-year income tax exemption and zero import duty on machinery. He reiterated that the Government of Pakistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is actively promoting joint ventures, as reflected in recent visit to China and MoUs. Additional Secretary Erfa Iqbal appreciated the delegation’s interest and emphasized that such collaborations are key to sustainable economic growth. She also highlighted that all ministries are actively working on progressive policies such as Ministry of Industries in sectors of solar energy and electric vehicles to further enhance investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Past in Perspective
The minister assured full facilitation by Board of Investment to investors, reaffirming its commitment to resolving both regulatory and non-regulatory challenges. SAPM on China Zafaruddin noted that the Prime Minister is particularly keen on strengthening joint ventures with Chinese companies and promoting B2B partnerships. He encouraged the delegation to share their specific areas of interest with BOI to enable targeted facilitation and connectivity. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation, accelerating technology transfer, and fostering strategic partnerships for Pakistan’s economic development.
