Pakistan seeks deeper US investment ties in Houston

September 30, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan has invited Pakistani-American entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities across key sectors as the government seeks stronger business and investment linkages between Pakistan and the United States.

Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh highlighted investment opportunities in information technology and IT-enabled services, food processing and agriculture, textiles, value-added manufacturing, automobiles, logistics, tourism, hospitality, housing and construction.

Speaking at a gathering of Pakistani-American business leaders and professionals in Houston, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said the government was taking measures to improve Pakistan’s investment environment and facilitate international investors.

He particularly highlighted Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as platforms for industrial investment, manufacturing, exports and employment generation.

Under the SEZ framework, eligible zone developers and enterprises can avail themselves of a one-time exemption from customs duties and taxes on imported capital goods, along with income-tax exemption up to 2035, subject to applicable legal provisions.

The Federal Minister said the government’s regulatory reform agenda was focused on reducing unnecessary procedures and compliance burdens, simplifying business processes and improving transparency in the regulatory environment.

He highlighted the work of the Cabinet Committee on Regulatory Reforms and the Board of Investment in modernizing regulations, streamlining approvals and facilitating businesses and investors.

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh also emphasized Pakistan’s young population as an economic asset, saying investment in technology, entrepreneurship, skills development, modern industries and export-oriented businesses could create greater employment opportunities while strengthening productive capacity.

He invited Pakistani-American investors and entrepreneurs to develop partnerships in Pakistan, particularly in areas where the diaspora can help connect local businesses to international markets, technology, expertise and capital.

The gathering also discussed Pakistan’s economic outlook, investment facilitation, industrial development, exports, entrepreneurship and potential areas of Pakistan-US business cooperation.

The Pakistan American Congress, an umbrella organization of Pakistani associations in North America, hosted the gathering in Houston.

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