PM Shehbaz directs investor facilitation, regulatory reforms to boost exports

Special Economic Zones contributed 3.7% to exports; govt aims to raise share to 8% by 2028, officials brief PM

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Web Desk April 28, 2026 1 min read

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting in Islamabad today on measures to promote investment. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to provide “all necessary facilities” to both domestic and foreign investors to help boost exports, while calling for regulatory compliance to be simplified and made less costly, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Chairing a high-level review meeting in Islamabad on measures to promote investment, PM Shehbaz said that promoting investment remains the government’s “top priority” for economic growth.

The prime minister emphasised the need to strengthen coordination between the government and investors, urging officials to accelerate the digitisation of licensing and other public services. “All systems for access to licences and services should be digitised at a faster pace,” he said.

The meeting was informed that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) contributed 3.7% to exports between July and March of the current fiscal year. Officials said the government aims to increase this share to 8% by 2028. Briefing participants, officials added that 21 SEZs are currently operational, with the number expected to rise to 26 by June 2026.

A “business-ready action plan” is also being prepared in consultation with provincial governments to further facilitate investment, while a Pakistan Regulatory Registry is being established to streamline approvals through digital platforms.

The prime minister said the creation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council had already helped improve investor confidence, adding that reforms under the Ease of Doing Business framework would reduce red tape and expand digital services.

The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, including Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with other senior officials.