Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited both local and international investors to seize the opportunity to tap into Pakistan's vast natural resources, which are valued at trillions of dollars.
Speaking at the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF25) in Islamabad on Tuesday, he expressed the confidence that harnessing these resources would significantly reduce Pakistan's reliance on loans.
PM Shehbaz highlighted the potential of the country’s mineral wealth spread across various regions, asserting that Pakistan will not allow its raw materials to be exported in their unprocessed form.
Instead, he stressed the importance of exporting finished or semi-finished products, which would benefit both Pakistan and its trade partners.
The premier also emphasized that any investment agreements should include a commitment to transfer modern technologies to Pakistan over time, enabling the country to build its industrial capabilities.
He welcomed entrepreneurs who are interested in setting up joint ventures that would focus on training Pakistan's youth in contemporary skills. These partnerships would involve the creation of vocational training centers aimed at empowering the next generation with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in modern industries.
PM Shehbaz assured that the federal and provincial governments, along with other relevant institutions, would collaborate closely to make Pakistan one of the leading global players in the mineral sector, contributing to the country's overall economic development.
Earlier, in his opening remarks in the two-day PMIF25, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar underscored Pakistan’s pivotal role in becoming a major global player in the mining sector.
He pointed out that the country is home to vast and valuable reserves such as Reko Diq, along with extensive resources in rare earth elements, industrial minerals, non-metallics, and gemstones, including the highly sought-after peridot and emerald.
Dar further emphasized that Pakistan’s immense and largely untapped mineral resources position the nation to significantly impact global supply chains, with the potential to attract substantial foreign direct investment.
He highlighted that the government is committed to the strategic growth of the mining industry, focusing on comprehensive policy reforms and initiatives aimed at creating a business-friendly environment that benefits both investors and local stakeholders.
The deputy prime minister also remarked that this investment forum offers a valuable opportunity for various stakeholders, partners, and allied nations to explore new avenues of collaboration and build mutually advantageous partnerships.
