UK, Sindh govt engage investors to discuss reforms for improving Pakistan’s investment climate

Islamabad: The United Kingdom government, in collaboration with the Sindh government, on Wednesday convened a high-level roundtable bringing together British businesses, multinational companies and investors to discuss reforms aimed at improving Pakistan’s investment climate and strengthening investor confidence.

The meeting, held in partnership with the Government of Sindh and chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, focused on measures to promote sustainable economic growth by addressing key challenges faced by the business community.

Participants discussed factors influencing investment decisions, including policy predictability, taxation, regulatory frameworks, foreign exchange processes, infrastructure and the broader business environment.

Speaking at the event, Deputy British High Commissioner Alison Blackburne said British companies had maintained a long-standing presence in Pakistan, contributing to employment, knowledge transfer and economic development.

“British companies have invested in Pakistan for decades, creating jobs, transferring knowledge and contributing to the country’s economic growth. We want to see that partnership continue to grow,” she said.

Ms Blackburne added that the UK was supporting Pakistan in simplifying regulations, strengthening institutions and reducing unnecessary barriers for businesses to create a more competitive investment environment.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah welcomed the contribution of British businesses to Sindh’s economy and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to creating a more investor-friendly environment. He said the provincial government was working with development partners to advance reforms in taxation, regulation, digitalisation and investment facilitation.

Officials highlighted that, with UK support, more than 500 regulatory reforms had been approved over the past year to simplify regulations, improve governance, strengthen institutions and reduce administrative burdens on businesses.

The meeting was informed that the UK was also supporting Karachi’s implementation of the World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) framework, which seeks to identify and address practical barriers affecting firms in areas including business registration, taxation, utilities and dispute resolution.

The roundtable formed part of broader efforts by the UK and the Sindh government to promote policy reforms, enhance the ease of doing business and attract greater domestic and foreign investment to Pakistan.