Pakistan is asking its diaspora in America to help attract investment. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, the federal minister for the Board of Investment, attended a dinner in his honour hosted by Dr Ashraf Abbasi, president of the Pakistan American Congress, in Houston, Texas. He told the gathering that international investors were showing growing interest in Pakistan and that the government was working to improve the business environment.

The guests included Pakistani-American community leaders, businesspeople, professionals and entrepreneurs. Speaking to journalists afterwards, Mr Sheikh said the meeting had allowed discussion of Pakistan's economic development, its investment climate and ways to strengthen business links with the United States.

He listed a wide range of sectors where he said opportunities exist. They include IT and IT-enabled services, food processing and agriculture, textiles and higher-value manufacturing, cars, logistics, tourism and hospitality, and housing and construction. He also mentioned other industrial and service industries.

The minister placed particular emphasis on special economic zones (SEZs), describing them as platforms for industrial investment, manufacturing, exports and job creation. He said they offer investors dedicated infrastructure, simpler regulatory and administrative procedures and support services.

He also described the tax incentives available in the zones. Eligible developers and companies can receive a one-time exemption from customs duties and taxes on imported capital goods, as well as an income-tax exemption until 2035, subject to legal requirements.

The visit shows that the government is trying to attract investment from overseas Pakistanis as well as foreign investors. However, the minister did not announce any specific commitments at the dinner, so it remains unclear whether the diaspora's interest will lead to actual investment.