Pakistan SIFC eyes Azerbaijan investment

Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council is in talks with Azerbaijan for potential investment into Pakistan amounting to around US$2 billion, according to local media.

A proposed investment framework would focus on three core areas. These are infrastructure development with emphasis on motorway projects, energy sector collaboration for both traditional and renewable sources and, finally, privatisation prospects in Pakistan's state-owned enterprises.

Azerbaijan has shown strong interest in investing in motorway infrastructure and other development projects in Pakistan, reports the Daily Times newspaper. 

Officials from both countries are also working to enhance trade and communication with central Asian nations, positioning Pakistan as a vital hub for regional commerce.

The Special Investment Facilitation Council is a federal government body and investment promotion agency set up in June 2023 in order to facilitate inward investment, establish cooperation among all government departments and fast-track major projects. The council consists of all provincial chief ministers, chief secretaries and the head of Pakistan’s army. The SIFC has been assigned the task of increasing foreign direct investment into Pakistan of around $5 billion. It is also involved in civil-military economic decision making.