Pakistan Hosts the First Ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum by DCO: A Milestone in Digital Investments

A Milestone for Digital Investments: Pakistan's DFDI Forum

In a significant leap towards enhancing global digital investments, Pakistan recently concluded the first Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum in collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Held from April 29 to 30, 2025, in Islamabad, this groundbreaking event brought together 700 leaders, including heads of state, global investors, and policymakers from various tech industries. The forum served as a strategic platform for discussing and redefining the landscape of digital investments and exploring new opportunities.

During the two-day forum, participants engaged in insightful dialogues aimed at shaping a conducive environment for investment in the digital sector. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif delivered compelling remarks on Pakistan's digital transformation, emphasizing the country's role as a pioneer in promoting a flourishing, investment-friendly digital economy.

The highlight of the forum was the launch of the Digital FDI Pakistan Insight Report, which outlines the ambitious plans for Pakistan's digital development. This report identifies Pakistan as the first nation to fully implement the DCO's Digital FDI Initiative, detailing six strategic measures that aim to attract sustainable digital investments.

Prime Minister Sharif elaborated on the importance of the DFDI, stating, "Pakistan is proud to play a leading role in digital transformation, and the success of the DFDI is a testament to our commitment to fostering a thriving, investment-friendly, digitally-enabled economy through a multi-stakeholder approach." He also commended DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya for her leadership and guidance in advancing Pakistan's digital FDI ecosystem, which has already garnered over $700 million in investments for the digital economy.

The event witnessed participation from more than 45 countries and featured over 40 international companies and startups presenting their digital products and innovations. High-profile attendees included approximately 35 foreign ministers and delegates, along with over 30 international speakers and 50 CEOs from top IT firms, all of whom contributed to a constructive dialogue about the future of digital investments.

AlYahya expressed the DCO's appreciation for the Pakistani government's efforts in ensuring the DFDI's success, highlighting, "This forum has demonstrated the transformative power of investments in bridging digital divides and accelerating sustainable growth." Her remarks echoed the DCO's vision to create a global investment environment where all nations can leverage digital innovations for inclusive and sustainable growth.

As one of the DCO's founding members since its establishment in November 2020 during the G20 summit in Riyadh, Pakistan is strategically positioning itself for a future where it can lead global discussions and partnerships in the burgeoning digital economy. With the DCO presidency approaching in 2026, Pakistan is set to advance dialogues, collaborations, and innovations that will shape the trajectory of global digital investments.

The DCO, being a pioneering standalone international intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting a sustainable and inclusive digital economy, aims to enabledigital prosperity for all. The organization focuses on bringing together communication and information technology ministries from member states across the globe, with a concerted effort to promote youth, women, and entrepreneurs in harnessing the power of the digital economy.

In conclusion, the successful execution of the DFDI Forum in Islamabad marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s digital investment landscape, positioning the nation as a leader in the quest for a sustainable and equitable digital future. As further initiatives unfold, Pakistan, together with the DCO, seeks to pave the way for significant advancements in the digital realm that will undoubtedly benefit not only its investors and businesses but also foster global cooperation and innovation.

For more information about the Digital Cooperation Organization and its initiatives, visit DCO or follow them on Twitter and LinkedIn.