In a significant development for regional economic strategy, Pakistan has been unanimously elected as the Regional Director of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) for South Asia, a role it will hold for the 2025-27 term.
The decision was made during the WAIPA General Assembly and Steering Committee elections, which took place at the 29th WAIPA World Investment Conference 2025 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The assembly also selected Kuwait as the new WAIPA President, with the Dominican Republic and South Korea chosen as Vice Presidents.
Representing Pakistan at the global forum, Federal Minister for Investment and Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI), Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, described the country’s new position as a ‘timely and significant development.’ He affirmed that the role would bolster Pakistan’s ability to promote investment opportunities and attract greater Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) throughout the South Asian region.
In his address, the Minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to fostering global collaboration and knowledge sharing among Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs). He stated that through WAIPA, Pakistan will deepen its engagement with international counterparts, exchange valuable expertise, and leverage global best practices to enhance investment facilitation.
‘The confidence reposed in Pakistan reflects our government’s steadfast commitment to advancing foreign investment and driving economic growth,’ Mr. Shaikh remarked. He assured the assembly that Pakistan would work closely with WAIPA and its member states to champion sustainable and inclusive investment.
Following the election, WAIPA Executive Director and CEO, Mr. Ismail Ersahin, congratulated Mr. Shaikh on the appointment. In response, the Minister invited the WAIPA leadership to visit Pakistan and formally proposed hosting the next World Investment Conference in Islamabad, signaling a desire for a more proactive partnership.
The Minister also expressed his gratitude to the global investment community for its trust in Pakistan’s Board of Investment and commended the BOI team for their dedicated efforts, emphasizing that the nation is prepared to assume a leading role in the international investment arena.