Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan has become the first country to officially launch the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Initiative, in partnership with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO).
This initiative introduces a structured framework to enable, attract, and manage digital investment flows into emerging markets, with a strong focus on innovation, inclusion, and international collaboration.
The launch reflects Pakistan’s broader vision to embrace the digital economy and position itself as a regional leader in technology-driven growth.
The DFDI Initiative aims to redefine how digital investments are facilitated across borders, creating new opportunities for sustainable economic development in the Global South.
The National UAE: Pakistan becomes the first country to launch a Digital FDI Initiative, aiming to be the “Davos of digital investment.” The #DFDI2025 Forum in Islamabad (Apr 29–30) will unite global tech & policy to reshape the future. #DigitalPakistanhttps://t.co/W5EX867dF6
— External Publicity Wing (@epwing_official) April 23, 2025
As Pakistan prepares to assume the presidency of the DCO in 2026, it is using this opportunity to showcase leadership and ambition in the global digital landscape.
To mark the launch of the initiative, Islamabad will host the DFDI Forum 2025, welcoming delegates from 16 DCO member states, along with international investors, technology leaders, policymakers, and development organizations.
Positioned as a global platform for dialogue and deal-making, the Forum aims to facilitate impactful conversations and cross-border partnerships.
With curated business-to-business meetings, high-level roundtables, and interactive sessions, the Forum will serve as a gateway for exploring the potential of digital FDI across sectors such as AI, fintech, cybersecurity, gaming, and digital services.
Pakistan’s DEP Framework
At the heart of the initiative is Pakistan’s Digital FDI-Enabling Policy (DEP), which focuses on four pillars:
– Infrastructure Development: Investing in digital connectivity and infrastructure
– Adoption Acceleration: Supporting digital transformation across industries
– Innovation Promotion: Encouraging startups and emerging tech solutions
– Export Expansion: Scaling Pakistan’s growing digital services and IT sector
These pillars are designed to create an investment-friendly environment where international capital and local talent can thrive together.
A Global Model for Digital FDI
Pakistan’s digital economy has demonstrated promising growth, with ICT exports rising by 25.5% over the past eight months.
Through the DFDI Initiative, the country aims to channel this momentum into long-term investment and collaboration, establishing a replicable model for other nations navigating digital transformation.
The DFDI Forum and policy framework are part of Pakistan’s strategic commitment to fostering a digitally inclusive future.
As global investment trends evolve, the initiative underscores the need for adaptive, transparent, and scalable models for digital FDI — with Pakistan taking a leading role in this transformation.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
