BOI steps up investor engagement in UK

London: Federal Minister for the Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh held a series of high-level meetings in London aimed at deepening Pakistan’s engagement with international financial institutions and investors, according to details shared from the visit.

One of the key interactions took place at the headquarters of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), where senior figures from Pakistan’s government, regulatory bodies and banking sector joined discussions on investment cooperation and professional development in finance.

Among those present were The Bank of Punjab President Zafar Masud and officials from the Pakistan High Commission in the United Kingdom, including Naila Israr, Muhammad Afzal and Imran Khalil, along with other officials and stakeholders.

Focus on investment and financial cooperation

The discussions centred on expanding international financial cooperation, encouraging investment into Pakistan and improving capacity building through internationally recognised professional standards and certifications.

Participants also stressed the increasing importance of skills development, particularly in emerging markets, as financial systems continue to evolve alongside technological change. The talks covered the need to keep pace with developments such as artificial intelligence and digital finance.

During the engagement, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh pointed to what he described as Pakistan’s improving investment environment and reform-focused policy direction. He said the government remained committed to facilitating foreign investors, reinforcing regulatory frameworks and promoting transparency and trust as part of efforts to support sustainable economic growth.

The minister said confidence and credibility in financial systems were vital for drawing long-term investment and building durable international partnerships. He also said Pakistan was interested in working with leading global institutions such as CISI to strengthen the professional capacity of its workforce and align more closely with international best practices in the financial and investment sectors.

Diaspora and institutional links highlighted

The interaction also underscored the importance of engagement with the Pakistani diaspora and stronger institutional linkages in supporting the country’s economic diplomacy.

The meeting brought together a range of stakeholders at a time when Pakistani authorities are seeking to widen international investment partnerships and improve standards across the financial sector. The emphasis during the London discussions remained on attracting investment, strengthening cooperation with global institutions and equipping professionals with skills relevant to changing market demands.

According to the details of the meeting, both sides viewed professional certifications and internationally benchmarked training as important tools for improving capacity in the sector. The exchange also reflected a broader effort to connect Pakistan’s financial and investment landscape with global standards and emerging trends.

Officials participating in the meeting discussed how stronger regulatory coordination, professional development and international collaboration could contribute to a more credible and competitive investment environment for Pakistan.