ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s venture capital and innovation landscape as part of a broader strategy to promote private sector-led growth, deepen financial markets and support technology-driven economic diversification.
The minister held a meeting with a delegation of Gobi Partners led by Chairman Thomas Tsao, long with Managing Partner Naiel Ikram and Investment Associate Abraiz Abdullah.
Welcoming the delegation, the minister appreciated Gobi Partners’ interest in Pakistan’s venture capital ecosystem and acknowledged the firm’s presence across Asia.
He underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s venture capital and innovation landscape as part of its broader strategy to promote private sector-led growth, deepen financial markets, and support technology-driven economic diversification.
He emphasized that access to risk capital is critical for the scaling startup entrepreneurial landscape, fostering innovation, and generating sustainable employment opportunities.
The delegation briefed the minister on Gobi’s regional footprint and its investments in Pakistan through Techxila Fund I, launched in 2020, which has supported startups across fintech, e-commerce, and digital infrastructure.
It was noted that venture capital participation has helped mobilize additional foreign investment into Pakistan and contributed to job creation, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.
Gobi Partners also shared plan regarding Techxila Fund II, with a proposed target size of USD 50 million, aimed at investing in high-potential sectors including fintech, logistics, health technology, and software services. The firm expressed its intention to anchor the fund with its own capital and mobilize participation from domestic and international institutional investors.
During the discussion, the delegation highlighted the importance of further strengthening the enabling framework for venture capital in Pakistan. In this regard, they suggested encouraging greater participation by domestic financial institutions in venture capital and private equity, as well as considering tax pass-through status for venture capital and private equity fund investments to facilitate local investor participation.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to maintain macroeconomic stability, improve the business climate, and advance reforms in tax policy and investment facilitation.
He emphasized that mobilizing domestic capital alongside foreign investment remains central to building a resilient and sustainable innovation-led growth model.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue engagement in support of Pakistan’s evolving venture capital and technology-led financial ecosystem.
