The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), in its second year, has achieved remarkable milestones across industrial growth, tourism expansion, and privatization efforts, demonstrating a strategic boost to Pakistan’s economic trajectory.
1. Rapid industrial approvals & EV manufacturing deals
SIFC improved the industrial project approval process by reducing turnaround times by 35%, reinforcing investor confidence. As part of the “Build Your Dreams” (BYD) collaboration, it secured agreements with local firms to begin electric vehicle manufacturing in Pakistan, marking a major step in green mobility and tech-driven industrialization.
2. Startup expansion & tourism tech outreach
Pakistani tourism startup BookMe successfully expanded into Saudi Arabia, propelled by SIFC’s support, signifying the global potential of domestic digital platforms. Simultaneously, in Gilgit-Baltistan, 44 guesthouses were restored under green tourism initiatives, creating 4,000 new jobs in the hospitality sector.
3. Tourism PPPs & visa facilitation
Through public-private partnerships, iconic destinations such as Keenjhar Lake and Gorakh Hill in Sindh have received a facelift. Moreover, the implementation of visa-on-arrival for citizens of 126 countries, including key GCC nations, has significantly improved ease of access, boosting both tourism and foreign investment.
4. Privatization momentum & airport outsourcing
In the national airline sector, seven international firms have shown interest in the PIA privatization, highlighting renewed global investor enthusiasm. Additionally, SIFC approved a “G-to-G” model for privatization of distribution companies and initiated plans to outsource services at Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore airports, aiming to elevate service standards to global benchmarks.
5. Transparency, speed, and investment facilitation
With a strong focus on transparency, timely decision-making, and streamlined processes, SIFC continues to deliver a more investor-friendly environment, signaling a significant shift toward economic modernization.
SIFC’s multifaceted accomplishments in its second year reveal a clear vision: fast-tracking Pakistan’s emergence as a global investment destination. By prioritizing industrial efficiency, boosting digital and green tourism, and accelerating privatization, SIFC is reinforcing Pakistan’s position on the global economic map, setting a strong tone for sustained growth in the coming years.
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