Maryam Nawaz Invites US Investors to Start Investing in Punjab Without Delay

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has urged American investors to begin investing in Punjab immediately, saying they should “start investing today rather than waiting for tomorrow.”

Addressing a high-level US business delegation representing the healthcare, information technology, artificial intelligence, minerals, and energy sectors, the chief minister said the visit reflects growing confidence among American investors in Punjab’s economic potential.

Maryam Nawaz noted that the United States has long been one of Pakistan’s key economic partners, adding that bilateral ties should now be further strengthened through investment, technology transfer, and innovation.

She announced that the Punjab government is offering 20% discounted lease rates to foreign investors and is working to integrate more than 15 licensing authorities into a single digital platform to simplify business procedures.

The chief minister said investors would be allowed to start their business operations immediately after making an investment decision, while the process of obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other approvals could continue simultaneously.

Highlighting investment opportunities, Maryam Nawaz said the Central Business District (CBD) is offering three major projects worth a combined $620 million. She added that the province aims to mobilize $7.1 billion in investment over the next three years, including $3.9 billion in public-sector investment and $3.2 billion from the private sector.

She also invited American companies to partner with Punjab in technology transfer, technical cooperation, and to invest in the Punjab Startup Fund.

Speaking about the province’s mineral wealth, the chief minister said Punjab possesses 250 million tonnes of iron ore, the world’s second-largest rock pink salt reserves, and confirmed placer gold deposits in all five rivers.

She further stated that Chiniot has 262 million tonnes of iron ore and 37 million tonnes of copper reserves, adding that a $900 million iron plant and a $1.27 billion steel mill are expected to generate 20% returns.

Maryam Nawaz also revealed that placer gold deposits worth an estimated $4 billion have been identified in a 25-square-kilometre area of Attock, presenting another major opportunity for domestic and foreign investors.