Balochistan leaders back FPCCI summit to boost investment and growth

KARACHI: The governor and the chief minister of Balochistan have endorsed the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (FPCCI) Balochistan Strategy Summit, aimed at addressing the province’s economic, trade, investment, industrial growth, and law and order challenges.

They spoke at the event, which saw a significant turnout of prominent business leaders from Balochistan at the Federation House.Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, governor of Balochistan, emphasised the need for a major marketing and public relations campaign to attract domestic and foreign direct investment (FDI) by assuring investors of full safety and security. He said that the people of Balochistan would fully support the government in these efforts.

Addressing the summit via video link, Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti announced key measures to improve investor confidence, infrastructure development and the provision of industrial plots. He informed attendees that his government was advancing plans for the establishment of the Bank of Balochistan, with feasibility studies already underway.

CM Bugti highlighted progress on major infrastructure projects, particularly in roads, railways and communication networks. He also noted that, for the first time in the province’s history, 90 per cent of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) funds for fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) would be utilised by June 2025. He attributed this achievement to the government’s tireless efforts in capacity enhancement.

FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh stressed that Balochistan requires special government attention for industrialisation, tax and duty waivers, the establishment and incentivisation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), the creation of the Bank of Balochistan -- similar to other provinces -- and the maintenance of law and order, which he described as essential for fostering economic activity and attracting investors.