QUETTA: Shahid Ahmed Khan, a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Arts (PACA) at the John F. Kennedy Centre in Washington D.C., met Balochistan Board of Invest­ment and Trade (BBoIT) Vice Chairman Bilal Kakar and CEO Abdul Kabeer Zarkoon on Sunday to discuss investment opportunities and development prospects in Balochistan.

The meeting focused on using modern technology for earthquake-related surveys in mines and minerals sectors, aiming to identify untapped natural resources in the region.

They also discussed the Gwadar Free Zone, security concerns, organic cotton production, Halal meat exports and potential collaborations between the United States and Balochistan in the education and healthcare sectors.

BBoIT CEO Zarkoon, who participated in the meeting virtually, outlined sectors ripe for investment in Balochistan and stressed the province’s potential for economic growth and development.

Vice Chairman Kakar underscored the government’s commitment to creating a secure and investor-friendly environment. “We want investors from across the globe to conduct business here without any fear and contribute to the development of Balochistan and Pakistan,” he said.

Mr Kakar highlighted the BBoIT’s proactive efforts to attract investment and improve the ease of doing business in the province.

“The path to development and prosperity in Balochistan cannot be obstructed. Both domestic and foreign investors are expressing their desire to invest in various sectors of Balochistan. Major projects will soon be launched here, paving new avenues of progress and prosperity,” he added.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2025