Pakistan presented 35 development projects worth approximately $26 billion at the National SDGs Investment Fair, which concluded on October 7.
The two-day event produced a letter of intent for a $40 million tourism project. A government private-sector partner and an investor signed it, according to UNDP’s statement. The statement did not identify the signatories.
UNDP and the Government of Pakistan convened the fair under the SDGs Plus Programme. Federal and provincial officials met domestic and international investors, financial institutions and development partners.
Organisers launched the SDG Investment Pipeline Compendium and project pitchbooks on October 6. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb joined virtually as chief guest.
“Every country needs a policy framework and a financing equation. But the most important piece is capacity building, which is where we need to talk about investable, bankable projects that we can structure, report on and monitor in line with international standards,” he said.
Senator Sherry Rehman and Sindh planning chief Najam Shah also addressed the opening session.
UNDP Pakistan Deputy Resident Representative Van Nguyen stressed follow-through.
“Over the next two days, I hope these conversations translate into partnerships that outlast this Fair. Its success should not be measured only by the number of projects showcased or commitments announced, but by whether these projects move forward: into financing, implementation and real improvements in people’s lives,” she said.
Project presentations covered transport, climate, agriculture, water and sanitation, tourism, industry, trade and technology. UNDP’s published pipeline also includes floating solar, methane capture, grain storage and wastewater treatment.
Participants included Sindh’s PPP Unit and Punjab’s PPP Authority. Ravi Urban Development Authority, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and Trade, and Balochistan’s PPP Authority also participated.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal opened the second day.
“The Fair translates URAAN’s pillars into investable opportunities, bringing government and investors together to accelerate sustainable development through investment across Pakistan,” he said.
Nguyen moderated a capital-markets and private-financing panel. Speakers included OICCI President and Dawlance CEO Umar Ahsan Khan, alongside EY MENA’s sustainability and climate-change director Zehra Aneek. AKD Securities CEO Farid Alam and InfraZamin Chief Investment Officer Amir Masood also participated.
Naghma-e-Tehniat Jerral moderated another panel on turning development plans into investment. It featured Najam Shah and Punjab PPP Authority CEO Dr. Zeeshan Hanif. Balochistan Additional Secretary Finance Faayaz Ali, business-facilitation director Iqbal Sarwar and former Board of Investment secretary Dr. Fareena Mazhar joined them.
Sindh Planning and Development Minister Jam Khan Shoro closed the fair.
“Sustainable investment is key to unlocking Sindh’s and Pakistan’s development potential, connecting our projects with the capital and partnerships needed to deliver results in health, WASH, and agriculture,” he said.
UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk emphasised continued engagement.
“This Fair is a platform that demonstrates how well-designed investment opportunities can successfully attract financing and also ensure development impact.”
The gathering builds on earlier efforts to attract private capital. UNDP’s Pakistan SDG Investment Report 2021 identified institutional capacity and financing constraints as obstacles to implementation.
