KARACHI: The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has called for Pakistan to build on recent macroeconomic stabilisation by accelerating private investment, exports, energy security and structural reforms.
The recommendations were made during a meeting between senior OICCI leadership, representatives of multinational member companies and a visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation in Karachi on Thursday.
The IMF delegation included Iva Petrova, Advisor at the Middle East and Central Asia Department, and Mahir Binici, IMF Resident Representative.
OICCI Highlights Decline in FDI
During the meeting, OICCI highlighted the decline in foreign direct investment despite improvements in Pakistan’s external position and sovereign credit profile.
According to the Chamber, net FDI fell by around 32% to $1.7 billion in FY26.
OICCI called for measures to reduce regulatory and compliance burdens, strengthen investor protection and improve coordination between federal and provincial authorities.
The Chamber also stressed the importance of domestic investment, arguing that reinvestment by local businesses can contribute to investor confidence and encourage greater participation by foreign companies.
Energy Security and Export Growth
With oil prices rising amid the Middle East conflict, OICCI called for immediate energy conservation measures alongside a medium-term strategy aimed at greater energy self-sufficiency.
The Chamber proposed a coherent energy security framework covering electricity, gas and petroleum. It highlighted regional energy costs, circular debt, investment requirements in refining and opportunities for regional energy cooperation.
On the external sector, OICCI said Pakistan needs to expand its capacity to generate foreign exchange to sustain higher economic growth.
The Chamber called for greater competitiveness and productivity, stronger export-oriented industries and deeper trade and investment links with key international markets.
Chamber Calls for Structural Reforms
OICCI also urged faster reform of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and credible privatisation where continued state ownership lacks a compelling policy rationale.
It further called for clearer separation of the government’s roles as policymaker, regulator, facilitator and commercial operator to create greater space for private-sector investment and competition.
