RCCI Pushes Policy Reforms to Attract US Capital
News Desk
Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has called for comprehensive structural reforms to unlock large-scale foreign investment, following what it described as strong investor interest during a high-level trade delegation visit to the United States.
Addressing a press conference, RCCI President Usman Shaukat said American investors showed keen interest in multiple sectors, including rare earth minerals, mining, information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, medical devices, construction and data infrastructure.
He stressed that targeted policy support — particularly in the mining and rare earth sectors — could position Pakistan as a competitive destination for global capital. “With the right reforms and regulatory clarity, Pakistan can attract significant foreign direct investment,” he said.
Shaukat noted that while countries around the world are intensifying economic engagement with the United States, Pakistan currently maintains approximately $10 billion in bilateral trade.
He emphasized that the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the two countries should be leveraged more effectively to expand trade, technology partnerships and investment flows.
During meetings with US lawmakers, government agencies and business organizations, members of the RCCI delegation were told that investor protection, legal certainty and policy continuity remain critical prerequisites for sustained foreign investment in Pakistan.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/rcci-demands-business-friendly-tax-reforms/
The delegation comprised leading business figures from the IT, pharmaceutical, healthcare, medical devices and construction sectors, among others.
Shaukat announced that a major business conference will be held in the United States on March 24 to bring together prominent Pakistani entrepreneurs and promote bilateral commercial collaboration.
Highlighting sectoral opportunities, he observed that pharmaceutical prices in the United States are among the highest globally, creating potential for enhanced cooperation in medical devices and healthcare products. Several US states also signaled readiness to expand trade ties, while expecting reciprocal facilitation for American investors.
Reaffirming RCCI’s non-political role, the president said the chamber supports reforms aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, improving regulatory transparency and strengthening investor confidence. He called for accelerated progress in business-to-business (B2B) linkages to ensure mutual economic benefit.
Prior to the US visit, RCCI representatives also held consultations with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund, which sought private sector input on the upcoming federal budget, business cost reforms and broader policy priorities.
Shaukat expressed optimism that continued engagement with international institutions would support economic stability and improve the overall business environment.
However, he acknowledged domestic challenges, including regulatory burdens, taxation pressures and limited institutional support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He emphasized the need for effective arbitration mechanisms, predictable policies and trust-building measures to strengthen Pakistan’s investment climate and attract sustained foreign capital.
