BOI Minister Urges Youth to Turn Knowledge Into Economic Solutions
Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh Addresses PUAN Economic Policy Challenge 2026
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 9th Sep, 2026)
Federal Minister for Board of Investment (BOI) Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has encouraged young professionals and alumni to transform their knowledge, research, and policy ideas into practical solutions for Pakistan’s economic challenges.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the PUAN Economic Policy Challenge 2026, the minister emphasized that while knowledge is valuable, its true worth lies in its practical application.
The event, organized by the U.S. Embassy, United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), and Accountability Lab Pakistan, gathered young professionals and alumni from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, drawing from his experience as the former President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the importance of accurately assessing economic and business challenges for effective policy responses. He urged participants to utilize their professional expertise and international exposure to contribute to policymaking, trade, investment, technology, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
The minister appreciated the strong people-to-people, educational, and professional ties between Pakistan and the United States, suggesting that alumni networks can serve as a vital bridge between the two nations. He encouraged participants to maintain connections, share expertise, and foster partnerships for Pakistan’s benefit.
Highlighting economic reforms over the past two years, particularly with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the minister noted the government’s efforts to strengthen economic stability and create a more business- and investment-friendly climate.
He mentioned the Board of Investment’s regulatory reforms, aiming to simplify procedures, reduce unnecessary requirements, enhance institutional coordination, and remove obstacles faced by businesses and investors.
Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh also highlighted the Business Facilitation Centre (BFC) in Islamabad, where various government ministries and departments operate under one roof to provide streamlined services to businesses and investors. He emphasized the significance of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in promoting industrialization, investment, and exports, citing incentives such as income tax benefits and exemptions on machinery imports.
The minister called for increased focus on value-added exports, technology transfer, job creation, and productivity to ensure investment contributes to sustainable economic growth.
Discussing Pakistan-U.S. economic ties, he expressed his views on the United States’ role in Pakistan’s economic development.
