Board of Investment

Pakistan's merger of the Board of Investment (BOI) and Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) presents an opportunity to reform investment promotion. The article argues that institutional changes alone cannot overcome fragmented policies on taxation, energy pricing, and regulation, citing successful models in Singapore, Ireland, Costa Rica, and Uzbekistan. It emphasizes the need for coherent economic strategies and political will to address systemic barriers to investment.

The Board of Investment (BOI) will allocate 70% of an €85 million European Investment Bank (EIB) facility to boost Nigeria's cocoa and dairy sectors. The initiative aims to increase local cocoa processing, expand chocolate manufacturing, and develop indigenous brands for international competition.

During his China visit, US President Donald Trump secured major trade agreements including a 200 Boeing aircraft purchase and commitments on beef and beans imports. Both countries established new institutional boards for investment and trade, with Trump characterizing the visit as highly successful.

The US and China are negotiating a 'Board of Investment' to fast-track regulatory approval for Chinese investments in non-sensitive American companies, potentially bypassing CFIUS review. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the agreement aims to prevent certain investments from being referred to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US. Chinese investment in the US has plummeted from $56 billion in 2016 to less than $4 billion in 2025 amid tightening scrutiny from both nations.