WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday invited the United States International Development Finance Corporation to expand its investment portfolio in Pakistan’s energy and minerals sectors, highlighting improved macroeconomic stability and reform driven growth. The invitation was extended during a meeting with DFC Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Black on the sidelines of the inaugural session of the Board of Peace.
The prime minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its energy security and unlocking the vast potential of its minerals sector. He said structural reforms and policy continuity have created a stable and attractive environment for foreign investment, particularly in renewable energy, oil and gas exploration, critical minerals, and large scale mining projects.
Benjamin Black was accompanied by DFC Head of Investments Conor Coleman and senior officials of the agency. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in financing strategic energy infrastructure and mineral development initiatives that can support long term economic growth and industrial expansion in Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif appreciated DFC’s existing portfolio in Pakistan, valued at over one billion dollars, and emphasized the importance of scaling up financing for energy transition projects and mineral extraction ventures. He noted that Pakistan’s untapped mineral reserves and expanding energy market offer strong potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.
The prime minister also invited DFC to participate in the upcoming Minerals Conference scheduled in Islamabad in April, aimed at attracting global investors to Pakistan’s mining sector. He stressed that international collaboration is critical for technology transfer, capital inflows, and sustainable resource development.
Benjamin Black briefed the prime minister on DFC’s strategic priorities and expressed interest in increasing the agency’s footprint in Pakistan’s energy and minerals landscape. The prime minister extended an invitation for him to visit Pakistan soon to explore concrete investment opportunities in these priority sectors.
