'Education, tech key to sustainability'

Federal Minister for the Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has said that education, skills development and small enterprises are critical to achieving sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty. According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the minister was speaking at a fundraising ceremony of the Chinioti Shaikh Society in Karachi, where he attended as chief guest. He said no country can eliminate poverty without modern education and the use of advanced technology.

Referring to China's development experience, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said strategic investment in education and technology had enabled China to lift millions of people out of poverty and attract large-scale investment. He cited China's development trajectory as an example of how long-term planning in these areas can deliver economic and social outcomes. The minister said that economic development and investment promotion are not the sole responsibility of governments. He stressed that the business community and organised social groups also play an important role in social welfare, job creation and the promotion of entrepreneurship.

He acknowledged the contributions of the Chinioti Shaikh community in supporting education, skills training and the development of small enterprises. He said such initiatives help strengthen communities and contribute to broader economic activity.

Sheikh said investment in small and medium enterprises is essential for broad-based economic growth, as SMEs generate employment and support economic activity at the grassroots level.

He also referred to ongoing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business. He said the government, through the Board of Investment, is working on regulatory changes, including the establishment of Business Facilitation Centres, to provide investors with streamlined and one-window services.