Malaysia’s Gobi Partners Eyes Investment in Pakistan’s Digital Sector

Malaysian venture capital firm Gobi Partners has expressed strong interest in investing and partnering within Pakistan’s digital, fintech, and e-commerce sectors, signaling growing confidence in the country’s expanding startup ecosystem. A delegation led by Co-Founder and Chair Thomas G. Tsao met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur, according to statements issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). During the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic and trade relations with Malaysia and welcomed Gobi Partners’ interest in Pakistan’s digital economy. He noted that both countries are actively exploring new areas of cooperation, particularly in technology-driven entrepreneurship and investment. “There is immense potential for enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia in economic and trade sectors,” the Prime Minister said. “Mobilizing both international and domestic capital to build a sustainable startup ecosystem is our priority.” The premier added that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is ensuring full support and facilitation for foreign investors through targeted reforms, improved access to infrastructure, and investment-friendly regulations. Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that the digital economy — including fintech, e-commerce, and IT services — forms the backbone of Pakistan’s national development strategy. He said the government is working to create an enabling environment for startups and early-stage investors by improving ease of doing business and access to funding. Referring to the Pakistan–Malaysia Business and Investment Conference held a day earlier, the Prime Minister said such forums are instrumental in promoting business-to-business linkages and attracting foreign investment. He also emphasized that Pakistan welcomes international business groups and investors interested in the country’s growing technology and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors. The Gobi Partners delegation, which focuses on supporting underserved entrepreneurs in emerging markets, expressed keen interest in exploring partnerships in financial technologies and e-commerce to help strengthen Pakistan’s digital sector.