WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday invited the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to enhance its financing portfolio in Pakistan, particularly in the energy, mines and minerals, agriculture, and information technology sectors.
The prime minister extended the invitation during a meeting with DFC Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Black on the sidelines of the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace. He highlighted Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic indicators, the government’s commitment to structural reforms, and the country’s increasingly attractive investment climate.
Benjamin Black was accompanied by DFC’s Head of Investments Conor Coleman and other senior members of the agency’s leadership.
Strengthening Economic Partnership
Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated the expanding economic partnership between Pakistan and the United States, recognizing DFC’s vital role in catalyzing joint ventures between private enterprises of both countries. He noted that such collaborations are essential for job creation, productivity enhancement, and sustainable economic growth.
The prime minister commended DFC’s portfolio of over $1 billion in Pakistan and underscored the strong synergies between the economic priorities of the two nations, which offer mutually rewarding opportunities for enhanced business-to-business (B2B) engagement.
Invitation to Minerals Conference
Emphasizing Pakistan’s vast mineral potential, the prime minister invited DFC to participate in the upcoming Minerals Conference scheduled to be held in Islamabad in April. He encouraged greater U.S. investment in the country’s mining sector, terming it a key driver of future economic expansion.
DFC’s Strategic Outlook
During the meeting, Benjamin Black briefed the prime minister on DFC’s strategic initiatives, investment priorities, and project pipeline in Pakistan. He expressed keen interest in expanding DFC’s footprint in the country, particularly in sectors aligned with sustainable development and economic diversification.
Black highlighted that DFC, especially following its recent reauthorization, is well-positioned to support economic development initiatives in partner countries.
Invitation to Visit Pakistan
Reaffirming Pakistan’s openness to foreign investment, Prime Minister Shehbaz invited Benjamin Black to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience to explore mutually beneficial opportunities across energy, mining, agriculture, and IT sectors.
The meeting reflected both sides’ commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and fostering long-term investment partnerships aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.
