Finance Minister meets OICCI; highlights improving macroeconomic indicators
KARACHI: The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) hosted Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, for a high-level dialogue with senior leadership from major multinational companies operating in Pakistan.
During the session, Senator Aurangzeb shared encouraging signs of improving macroeconomic indicators and rising business confidence, as also reflected in the latest OICCI Business Confidence Survey. He emphasized that while the momentum is positive, Pakistan must continue to stay the course on key structural reforms to achieve long-term economic stability.
“We are witnessing early signs of macroeconomic recovery, but to break free from recurring cycles of instability, Pakistan must take bold and sometimes difficult decisions,” said Senator Aurangzeb. “The government is fully committed to supporting the business community by ensuring a transparent, predictable, and investment-friendly environment.”
The Minister responded to concerns raised by OICCI members. These members represent more than 200 of the leading foreign investors operating in Pakistan. He assured them of the government’s resolve to address policy challenges and unlock the country’s full investment potential.
With rising foreign investor confidence as depicted by OICCI survey insights, Finance Minister urged investors to look into key high-potential sectors for investments, including Minning & Minerals, Agriculture, IT, Infrastructure, among others.
OICCI President Yousaf Hussain acknowledged the government’s progress in stabilizing the economy and underscored the importance of strengthening institutions. “We welcome the improving macroeconomic indicators and renewed signs of stability,” said Yousaf Hussain. To convert this into sustained growth, we must strengthen our institutions, invest in professional capacity, and ensure consistent policymaking,” he expressed.
OICCI Secretary General Mr. Abdul Aleem highlighted the need to boost Pakistan’s foreign direct investment levels, which remain below one percent of GDP. “We are encouraged by the government’s focus on simplifying the regulatory environment,” he said. “However, the recent exit of some major multinationals also highlights the need to reduce over-regulation and improve the overall investment climate.”
In conclusion Federal Minister extended his gratitude to OICCI for curating an event that stresses on macroeconomic elevation also stating that, “Economic reforms are absolutely critical, but having said that the existential issues that are ever pressing must be addressed as a whole.”—NNI
