PM invites DFC chief to visit Pakistan, attend minerals investment forum in Islamabad on April 8-9
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Benjamin Black, Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in Washington on February 20, 2026.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the chief executive of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in Washington on Thursday to discuss expanding economic cooperation and increasing US investment in Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported.
During the meeting with DFC Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Black, he acknowledged the agency’s investment portfolio of more than $1 billion in Pakistan and said the economic priorities of both countries were aligned, offering mutually beneficial opportunities for business-to-business collaboration.
PM Shehbaz invited the DFC chief to visit Pakistan to explore investment opportunities in sectors of shared interest and encouraged the agency’s participation in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF) 2026, scheduled to be held in Islamabad on April 8–9.
Pakistan has invited both China and the United States to the forum as it seeks to attract investment for an estimated $6–8 billion in annual mineral export potential.
Washington: CEO of United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Mr. Benjamin Black called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. pic.twitter.com/9hfxs6tovZ
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 20, 2026
PM Shehbaz highlighted what he described as improving macroeconomic fundamentals, ongoing structural reforms and the government’s commitment to providing an investor-friendly environment. He invited the DFC to enhance financing for projects in energy, mining and minerals, agriculture and information technology.
He also praised the DFC’s role in strengthening Pakistan-US economic ties and promoting joint ventures between private sectors in the two countries, which he said were critical for job creation and productivity growth.
Black briefed the prime minister on the DFC’s strategic priorities and potential projects in Pakistan, expressing interest in expanding the agency’s investment footprint in the country.
Sharif arrived in Washington on Thursday to attend the “Board of Peace” summit on Gaza. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, along with delegations from 20 other countries attending the summit.
