PM Shehbaz invites DFC to boost investments in Pakistan's key sectors

Washington (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s strengthening economic foundations, emphasizing the government’s ongoing push for structural reforms and a more investor-friendly environment.

He encouraged the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to increase its support for projects in energy, mining, agriculture, and information technology, citing the country’s growing opportunities.

The prime minister met with DFC CEO Benjamin Black on the sidelines of the inaugural Board of Peace meeting, praising the expanding economic partnership between Pakistan and the United States.

Accompanying Black were Conor Coleman, DFC’s Head of Investments, and other senior agency officials.

During the discussion, Prime Minister Shehbaz acknowledged the pivotal role of DFC in facilitating partnerships between private enterprises of both nations, noting that such collaborations are key to creating jobs and enhancing productivity.

He highlighted DFC’s portfolio exceeding $1 billion and pointed out the strong alignment between the agency’s investment priorities and Pakistan’s economic objectives, describing it as an opportunity for mutually beneficial business-to-business engagement.

The prime minister also invited DFC to participate in the upcoming Minerals Conference in Islamabad scheduled for April, signaling further avenues for cooperation.

In response, Benjamin Black briefed the prime minister on DFC’s strategic initiatives, key priorities, and pipeline of projects in Pakistan.

He expressed interest in broadening DFC’s presence in the country and underscored that, following its recent reauthorization, the corporation is well-positioned to support development efforts in partner nations.

Concluding the meeting, PM Shehbaz invited Benjamin Black to visit Pakistan at the earliest opportunity to explore investment prospects in sectors of shared interest.