SECP, BOI align on reform agenda to strengthen investment environment

June 11, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan's corporate regulator has forwarded a package of proposed amendments to the Companies Act, 2017 to the Finance Division for further review, as part of broader efforts to improve the country's investment climate and ease of doing business.

The proposed changes incorporate the Board of Investment's (BOI) Ultra Fast Track initiative and a range of regulatory reforms aimed at promoting digitalization, facilitating business operations, and attracting domestic and foreign investment.

The developments were discussed during a meeting between Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu and senior BOI officials, where both sides reviewed progress on measures designed to create a more investor-friendly business environment.

Discussions focused on regulatory reforms related to venture capital, private equity funds, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), which are seen as key components of Pakistan's efforts to support entrepreneurship and private-sector growth.

The meeting also assessed progress on 14 priority reforms identified under the World Bank's Business Ready (B-READY) framework.

According to the SECP chairman, the regulator has already implemented the majority of these reforms.

Reforms completed by September 1, 2026, will be considered in the World Bank's next assessment cycle, potentially strengthening Pakistan's standing in global business environment evaluations.

Participants also deliberated on introducing a harmonized and universally accepted definition of startups to improve regulatory clarity and policy coordination across institutions.

The SECP and BOI reaffirmed their commitment to removing barriers to business formation, streamlining regulatory processes, and fostering a transparent and investment-friendly ecosystem to support sustainable economic growth.

Copyright Mettis Link News