Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that promotion of investment is the government's top priority for achieving economic growth in the country. He was chairing a review meeting in Islamabad today on measures to promote investment.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure the provision of all necessary facilities for both local and foreign investors in order to boost exports. He further directed that regulatory compliance be simplified and made more cost-effective to facilitate investors. He also emphasized the need to strengthen coordination between the government and investors and to accelerate the digitization of the entire system for access to licensing and other services.

Shehbaz Sharif noted that the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council has enhanced investors' confidence in the country. The meeting was briefed that Special Economic Zones contributed 3.7 percent to national exports during the current fiscal year from July to March. It was informed that a target has been set to increase the share of Special Economic Zones in exports to eight percent by fiscal year 2028.

The meeting was further informed that, in consultation with provinces, a business-ready action plan is being prepared to promote investment. All services are being digitized to facilitate investors and businesspersons in obtaining government approvals, for which a Pakistan Regulatory Registry is being established. It was said that 21 Special Economic Zones are currently operational in the country, and this number is expected to increase to 26 by June this year.

It was also highlighted that under the Easy Business Act, red tape will be eliminated, and the provision of digital services will further facilitate investment.