Punjab Shortlists 20 Investment Projects to Boost Global Partnerships
Published: September 30, 2025
Reading Time: 2 min
By: Tribune
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The Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) has taken a major step towards boosting foreign investment by shortlisting 20 high-potential projects out of 86 proposals submitted by various departments. These projects, now set for global promotion, are aimed at strengthening Punjab’s economic landscape through targeted investment in agriculture, tourism, logistics, technology, and human capital.
Rigorous Evaluation Process
According to a PBIT spokesperson, over 76 consultation sessions were held to assess and shortlist the most viable proposals. Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, the spokesperson emphasized that the private sector’s role is essential in achieving Punjab’s economic goals. “These investment opportunities will be showcased globally to attract international stakeholders,” he said.
Agriculture and Food Security in Focus
One of the standout projects is a food processing unit designed to reduce post-harvest losses. Although Punjab contributes nearly 60% of Pakistan’s food and fruit production, much of the surplus goes to waste due to outdated processing methods.
A pre-feasibility report has already been approved to explore exporting surplus produce to China, the EU, and Gulf countries, representing a $50 billion market. The initiative aims to connect farmers, middlemen, suppliers, and processors across the value chain to unlock Punjab’s export potential.
Grain Silos and Storage to Ensure Stability
Another critical initiative is the development of private-sector grain silos. With Punjab producing 65% of Pakistan’s cereals, the silos will act as food reserves and support the food processing industry. In addition, dedicated storage facilities are proposed to enhance food security, especially targeting demand in Gulf countries where food supply remains a major concern.
Revitalising Tourism in Bahawalpur
Punjab’s tourism sector is getting a major upgrade with a proposal to develop hotels, resorts, and desert safari facilities in Bahawalpur. Despite attracting over a million visitors annually, the city lacks international-standard infrastructure. The new project aims to transform Bahawalpur into a multi-purpose tourism hub, boosting hospitality and regional revenue.
Building a Skilled Workforce
To leverage Punjab’s strength in human resource exports, a project has been approved for green skills training and microenterprise development. The initiative is expected to create a globally competitive, certified workforce and attract investment in vocational and industrial training sectors.
Strengthening Logistics with Warehousing Hubs
PBIT has also approved the development of logistics hubs that will serve as storage banks for livestock, dairy, cereals, meat, and emergency supplies. These hubs will be strategically aligned with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure, reinforcing Punjab’s supply chain capabilities.
Technology and Electronics Assembly in the Spotlight
In the tech sector, a proposal for local assembly of IT equipment, including smartphones and computer hardware, has gained approval. Punjab already hosts top-tier assembly units for brands like Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi/Redmi, which have seen major success in Pakistan’s growing tech market. The project aims to expand this potential and attract additional tech investments.
Punjab’s Vision for Economic Growth
“These shortlisted projects reflect Punjab’s core strengths—in agriculture, tourism, technology, and human capital,” said the PBIT spokesperson. “They are designed to attract global investors, strengthen regional supply chains, and generate employment across key sectors.”
By aligning its investment strategy with global market needs and regional strengths, Punjab is setting the stage for a transformative economic future.
