Daily Times

The founding and development of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) have taken centre stage in Pakistan in an effort to spur economic growth and improve national security. This enormous endeavor aims to inspire confidence in both domestic and foreign investors and draw foreign direct investment, ushering in a crucial change in the economic landscape of the nation. Its main goals are to attract international investment and boost the economy of the country. All of the provincial chief ministers as well as the army chief are members of this council. Amendments have also been made in Board of Investment law by introducing a new chapter to grant SIFC as permanent status.

The SIFC functions as a crucial decision-making platform with the mission of driving forward crucial economic structural reforms. The forum’s initial focus will be on maximizing the potential of crucial industries like defence manufacturing, information technology, agriculture, and energy. Attracting investments from friendly nations is one of the SIFC’s top priorities. In addition to the Army’s representation for facilitation, SIFC is an inclusive organization with representation from federal and provincial partners at all levels, and in this regard special amendments have been made in Board of Investment law.

The SIFC functions as a crucial decision-making platform with the mission of driving forward crucial economic structural reforms.

The Apex Committee, Executive Committee, and Implementation Committee are the three committees that make up SIFC. The Federal Cabinet, the Chief Ministers of the provinces, and the Chief of Army Staff are all invited on a special basis by the Government to the Apex Committee, which is led by the Prime Minister. In order to increase SIFC’s effectiveness and representativeness, the Apex Committee has the right to co-opt any member from any of the tiers. The committee meets every two months to discuss progress, and so-far many important decisions not only have been taken but as well implemented.

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is a visionary initiative created under the Board of Investment Ordinance 2001, ushering in a new chapter in Pakistan’s investment landscape. Positioned under the leadership of the Prime Minister, it serves as a singular point of contact for investment facilitation and the creation of an enabling policy environment.

Despite Pakistan’s immense potential and strategic location, the nation has witnessed limited foreign direct investment over the years. This can be attributed to a myriad of factors, including political instability, security concerns, infrastructure deficits, bureaucratic red tape, transparency issues, and inconsistent policies. These challenges have hindered Pakistan’s economic progress, while neighboring countries have surged ahead.

The SIFC, supported by legal frameworks and a diverse composition, holds the promise of addressing these obstacles comprehensively. It aims to inspire confidence in local and foreign investors, paving the way for increased foreign direct investment (FDI) and breaking the cycle of currency shortages and trade deficits.

With the audacious target of attracting $100 billion in FDI within three years and aspiring to achieve a nominal GDP of $1 trillion by fiscal year 2035, the SIFC has set its sights on various sectors, including defense production, agriculture, mining, energy, and the IT industry. Notable projects, such as the Diamer-Bhasha dam and mining activities at Reko Diq, have already garnered international interest.

To ensure the effectiveness of the SIFC, several recommendations have been put forth:

Streamlined Operations- Ongoing cooperation between the government and relevant stakeholder’s professionals is crucial for efficient policy execution.

Permanent Secretariat -Establishing a permanent secretariat in Islamabad and provincial capitals will ensure stability and consistent management.

Expert Involvement-Inclusion of experts in various fields, both local and international, is essential for the SIFC’s success.

Detailed Roadmap-A comprehensive roadmap with defined duties, resource allocation, and deadlines is needed for strategic implementation.

Information Sharing-Encouraging information sharing among stakeholders and swift resolution of business and investment issues.

Government Collaboration- Eliminating barriers to government collaboration and enhancing Pakistan’s international reputation.

Contract non-compliance difficulties, must be resolved on priority in order to receive high marks for business-friendliness.

Legal Reforms-Suggesting modifications to laws and rules restricting investment, and establishing a commercial dispute resolution mechanism.

Regular interaction with local and international media would also be very important for awareness and good business climate.

The executive Committees of all Chamber of Commerce and industries may be taken on board regularly for their input and for promotion of good business climate in Pakistan, and simultaneously the good business institutions should be prepared and trained for the upcoming joint venture projects, which will be initiated through Foreign Direct Investment.

To sum up, the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s (SIFC) creation can mark a turning point for Pakistan’s economic future. It is a representation of the country’s dedication to promoting a business-friendly climate and luring foreign investment, both of which are supported by a strategic goal for growth and prosperity. For achieving good results and endeavors, it is simultaneously important that Pakistan’s legal system to become more effective, accessible, time limit and equitable, thus immediate justice reforms are also of utmost importance.

While the establishment of the SIFC is a significant step forward, additional measures immediately should be taken simultaneously with time bounded reforms to enhance the justice and governance systems, increase fiscal responsibility, tax reforms, infrastructure development, energy sector reforms, trade diversification, trade and skill development, ease of doing business, agriculture reforms, social safety nets, eliminate corruption, strengthen and merit based appointments in government institutions and to streamline and effective regulatory frameworks. Pakistan’s long-term economic and social prosperity depends on these reforms which are vital for the successful future of Pakistan.

The writer is a practicing lawyer at Supreme Court and has served as Chairman, Federal Excise & Sales Tax Appellate Tribunal and Senior Advisor Federal Ombudsman. He can be reached at: hafizahsaan47@gmail.com