The Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) has shortlisted 20 proposals from 86 submitted by various departments, selecting them for conversion into investment projects to be marketed globally.
According to a PBIT spokesperson, quoted by Wealth Pakistan on Monday, over 76 consultation sessions were held to evaluate the proposals before finalising the list. "These investment opportunities will be showcased at the global level, as the private sector's active participation is vital for Punjab's economic growth," he said.
Among the key projects is a food processing unit designed to curb post-harvest losses. Punjab accounts for nearly 60% of Pakistan's food and fruit production, yet much of its exportable surplus is wasted. "The province's potential in food production and exports remains underutilised due to insufficient processing facilities and outdated post-harvest practices," the spokesperson noted.
A pre-feasibility report has been approved to assess how surpluses can be exported to China, the European Union and the Gulf countries, which together account for more than $50 billion. The project will connect farms, middlemen, stockholders, suppliers and processors through Punjab's export potential.
The development of private-sector grain silos has also been approved. Punjab produces nearly 65% of Pakistan's cereals, making the project critical. "This will serve as a reserve pool of food in Punjab and meet unforeseen needs, while supplying the food processing industry," the spokesperson said.
Food security has been factored into another proposal for dedicated storage facilities. The spokesperson said food storage and security are pressing issues in Gulf countries and nearby markets. The projects aim to address Punjab's needs while positioning the province as a regional food supplier.
The tourism sector is represented through a proposal for hotels and resorts, including desert safari facilities in Bahawalpur. The city already welcomes more than one million tourists annually, yet international-standard facilities remain limited. The project is expected to provide a multi-purpose hub for tourism, expand revenue streams, and enhance Punjab's profile in hospitality.
Human capital development has also been prioritised. A project for green skills training and microenterprise support aims to attract investment in training and development. "Punjab is the largest contributor to the export of human resources," the spokesperson said. The project will produce a trained and certified workforce, competitive in global markets and available for domestic industries.
The committee also approved logistics hubs for warehousing, serving as storage banks for livestock, dairy, cereals, meat and emergency response. "This initiative will attract investors to build facilities aligned with CPEC projects, strengthening Punjab's supply chain sector," he added.
Technology is another focus, with a proposal for local assembly of IT equipment including cell-phones and computer hardware. Punjab already hosts leading mobile device assembling units. "Chinese companies like Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi/Redmi are earning millions from Pakistan's emerging technology market," the spokesperson pointed out.
"The shortlisted projects reflect Punjab's strengths in agriculture, tourism, technology and skills development. They will attract international investors, strengthen supply chains, and generate new employment," the spokesperson added.
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