Finance Minister Engages with Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb recently held discussions with a delegation from the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), with President Yousaf Hussain leading the group.

The meeting took place at the Finance Division and primarily addressed the most recent findings from the OICCI’s Business Confidence Index (BCI) Survey – Wave 27. This survey was carried out across the nation during March and April 2025, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Finance.

The OICCI delegation shared the survey’s outcomes, which indicated a notable advancement in overall business confidence throughout the country.

The index demonstrated a substantial increase of 16 percentage points, transitioning from a negative 5% in the prior survey wave of October–November 2024 to a positive 11% in Wave 27.

“This encouraging change was evident in various sectors and largely resulted from greater macroeconomic stability, a reduction in inflation, and forecasts of enhanced business conditions in the near future,” the statement noted.

The manufacturing sector spearheaded this improvement, with business confidence escalating from negative 3% to positive 15%. The retail and wholesale sectors followed closely, recovering from a negative 18% in the preceding survey to a positive 2% in the latest findings.

Furthermore, the services sector exhibited consistent expansion, growing from 2% to 10% positive.

Aurangzeb expressed his satisfaction with the upward trend in business sentiment, considering it a reliable sign that the country’s economic path is becoming more stable.

He underscored the significance of preserving a supportive environment for investment and highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting private sector development and ensuring enduring macroeconomic strength.

He asserted that the heightened business confidence reflected broader reform initiatives and close collaboration between the government and vital economic participants.

The OICCI President mentioned that business confidence had consistently improved over the past two years, with the recent surge emphasizing the durability of Pakistan’s business sector and its optimism in capitalizing on prospective growth opportunities.

In response, the finance minister confirmed the government’s commitment to continue implementing necessary measures to sustain this favorable impetus.

“Policy consistency, transparency, and proactive engagement with stakeholders, including OICCI members, were highlighted as fundamental components of the government’s strategy to further bolster investor confidence and economic stability,” the statement concluded.