APP
Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated Pakistan’s first-ever Business Facilitation Center (BFC) in Islamabad, calling it a major step toward promoting ease of doing business, investment facilitation, and entrepreneurship growth in the country.
The facility, established by the Board of Investment (BOI), will serve as a one-stop solution for investors and entrepreneurs by offering guidance on business registration, licensing, permits, and regulatory requirements. The center aims to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and streamline interaction between the business community and government departments.
Streamlining Investment Procedures
The prime minister was briefed on the center’s integrated system covering special economic zones applications, licensing, payments, and approvals, with significantly reduced timelines. Investors will now be able to track applications digitally, receive timely updates on requirements, and access all relevant documents and activity logs under one roof.
Unveiling the project plaque, PM Shehbaz said the facility will be replicated across the country if it proves successful. He urged government departments to ensure efficient operations, emphasizing that the center must provide customer-friendly, transparent, and delay-free services.
“Otherwise, this will be nothing more than brick and mortar. That is not my vision. We should welcome investors with genuine support and a smiling face, without any delay,” he remarked.
National and International Outreach
The prime minister directed that the BFC should be made attractive and internationally recognized, positioning Pakistan as a competitive destination for global investment.
He lauded BOI Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, BOI Secretary, and their team for establishing the country’s first facilitation center and for hiring a skilled and professional workforce to serve the business community.
A Breakthrough in Investment Facilitation
In his remarks, BOI Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh called the BFC a “breakthrough” for investment facilitation, noting that investors previously had to approach multiple government departments. The center will now reduce hassle, minimize timelines, and create a seamless experience for setting up businesses in Pakistan.
The prime minister also visited various service desks at the center, where he was informed that investors can now apply for projects and SEZ setups by providing details such as business nature, equity structure, target market, export potential, employment generation, and utility requirements.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Ahad Cheema, Dr. Musadik Malik, and senior government officials.
