Maryam Nawaz Invites U.S. Investors to Launch Projects in Punjab Without Delay

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has invited American investors to begin investing in the province immediately, assuring them of a business-friendly environment, streamlined regulations, and extensive incentives aimed at facilitating foreign investment.

Addressing a high-level U.S. business delegation representing the healthcare, information technology, artificial intelligence, minerals, and energy sectors, the chief minister said the delegation’s visit reflected growing confidence among American investors in Punjab’s economic potential. She noted that the United States has long been one of Pakistan’s most important economic partners and stressed the need to further strengthen bilateral ties through investment, technology, and innovation.

Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government has introduced investor-friendly reforms, including a 20% concessional lease rate for foreign investors. She added that more than 15 licensing authorities are being integrated into a single digital platform to simplify regulatory procedures and improve the ease of doing business.

The chief minister encouraged investors to commence their business operations immediately after deciding to invest, saying that the process of obtaining no-objection certificates (NOCs) and other regulatory approvals could continue simultaneously.

She also highlighted investment opportunities in the Central Business District, where three major projects worth $620 million are being offered. Over the next three years, Punjab aims to mobilize $7.1 billion in investment, comprising $3.9 billion in public-sector funding and $3.2 billion from the private sector.

Emphasizing the province’s economic potential, Maryam Nawaz said Punjab is seeking greater U.S. partnership in technology transfer and technical cooperation, while inviting American companies to invest in the Punjab Startup Fund to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

Highlighting the province’s mineral wealth, she said Punjab possesses 250 million tonnes of iron ore, the world’s second-largest reserves of pink rock salt, and confirmed placer gold deposits in all five rivers. She added that Chiniot holds 262 million tonnes of raw iron ore and 37 million tonnes of copper, supporting plans for a $900 million iron plant and a $1.27 billion steel mill, both expected to generate significant returns. She further revealed that placer gold reserves valued at approximately $4 billion have been identified in a 25-square-kilometre area of Attock.