Pakistan has become the first nation to implement the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Initiative, a collaborative effort between the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced the milestone on his official Twitter account, underscoring Pakistan’s resolve to establish a resilient and dynamic digital investment ecosystem.
This strategic initiative seeks to boost digital investments across borders, especially in developing markets. The Digital FDI-Enabling Project (DEP) in Pakistan centres around four essential pillars:
This initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader digital transformation journey. The digital public infrastructure (DPI) commitment has already been practical within the country and has brought positive impacts such as financial inclusion to the citizens. For example, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) of Pakistan has developed a fully functional digital identity system that covers more than 240 million residents to perform different operations and receive services.
The partnership of WEF and DCO highlights the necessity to build ‘digital-friendly’ investment environments. Thus, to encourage and support digital FDI, Pakistan has focused on introducing suitable policies and actions that will help the country not only acquire capital but also knowledge, technology, and experience.
With Pakistan leading the way in this initiative, it establishes a benchmark for other developing economies, creating a global environment that encourages digital advancement and creativity.