ISLAMABAD: Corporate Social Responsibility has become an integral part of modern business strategy, and that investment is not merely about economic indicators but about improving lives, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and strengthening social stability, said Board of Investment (BoI) Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Thursday.

Speaking at the annual CSR Summit, the minister emphasised that businesses today are key partners in social progress alongside economic growth.

He underlined that investment in human resources is the key to poverty reduction and economic stability. Without strengthening education, research, and skill development, sustainable progress cannot be achieved, underscoring the continued importance of public–private partnerships for inclusive, long-term development.

He called upon investors, industrialists, and business leaders to align their investment objectives with social responsibility and expand CSR initiatives in education, healthcare, environmental protection, skill development, and community welfare.

He expressed the confidence that through strong collaboration between the government and the private sector, Pakistan can achieve sustainable, inclusive, and investment-friendly economic growth.

The BoI reaffirmed its commitment to providing maximum facilitation and guidance to investors through transparent and efficient one-window operations.

Referring to China’s journey of sustainable growth, the minister noted that over the past four decades, China lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty through long-term planning, industrial policy, technological advancement, and consistent investment in education and skills development. He stated that China’s economic transformation demonstrates that quality education, innovation, and human capital development are fundamental pillars of sustainable growth.

He said that the government was implementing comprehensive regulatory reforms and investment-friendly policies to stabilise and strengthen the national economy. Measures to enhance ease of doing business, ensure regulatory transparency, and facilitate investors are being actively pursued.

Incentives, including income tax exemptions and customs duty concessions in Special Economic Zones, are being provided to attract both local and foreign investment. He particularly highlighted the Business Facilitation Centre (BFC), which provides a single-window facilitation mechanism to investors, ensuring streamlined approvals, reduced processing time, and effective resolution of operational issues.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2026