Nestlé Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Pakistan at WEF Davos
Nestlé has announced an additional investment of $60 million in Pakistan. The announcement was made on Thursday during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The decision reflects Nestlé’s strong confidence in Pakistan’s economic outlook and reform agenda.
The development came as Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met Remy Ejel, Executive Vice President and CEO for Asia, Oceania, and Africa at Nestlé. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the WEF. According to a statement from the finance ministry, the investment will support a robust expansion of Nestlé’s operations in Pakistan.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb also chaired a high-level business roundtable during the forum. The session brought together chief executives and senior leaders from leading global corporations. Discussions focused on Pakistan’s reform trajectory, investment climate, and long-term growth potential.
The government described the roundtable as part of its continued engagement with multinational investors. The aim is to promote policy predictability, economic formalisation, and sustainable, export-oriented growth.
Pakistan to Become Nestlé’s Regional Manufacturing and Export Hub
A key highlight of the roundtable was Nestlé’s investment announcement. Remy Ejel confirmed that Nestlé plans to significantly expand its footprint in Pakistan. He said the company intends to use Pakistan as a regional manufacturing and export hub.
Under this strategy, Nestlé plans to export products from Pakistan to 26 countries. This move is expected to boost exports and create new opportunities across the value chain. Ejel expressed strong confidence in Pakistan’s future economic performance. He predicted robust growth for Nestlé’s business in the country over the coming years.
The finance ministry noted that this announcement builds on Nestlé’s recent engagement with the government in Islamabad. During earlier discussions, the company outlined a strategy focused on localisation, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and agricultural transformation.
Ejel highlighted Pakistan’s favorable demographics and growing nutrition needs. He said the country’s underpenetrated value-added food segments mirror growth patterns seen in Southeast Asia. These factors make Pakistan an attractive destination for long-term investment and expansion.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb welcomed Nestlé’s announcement. He described it as a strong vote of confidence in Pakistan’s economic reforms and formalisation drive. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the tax ecosystem and ensuring policy consistency. He also stressed continued engagement with the private sector through institutions like the Tax Policy Office.
Socar Signals Major Investment in Pakistan’s Energy Sector
In a separate development at the same roundtable, Azerbaijan’s state oil company Socar signaled fresh investment plans in Pakistan. Socar’s President Rovshan Najaf announced that the company aims to finalize its investment in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector in February.
Najaf described Pakistan as a natural long-term energy partner. He cited the country’s market depth, rising energy demand, and ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector. He said Socar’s planned investment will build on its existing commercial presence in Pakistan.
Socar is already engaged in Pakistan through Socar Trading. The company currently provides flexible liquefied natural gas arrangements. Najaf also noted Socar’s cooperation with Pakistan State Oil and expressed interest in expanding across the broader energy value chain.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to attracting strategic investment in oil, gas, and mining. He called these sectors critical for energy security and industrial growth. He added that reforms are focused on pricing transparency, contractual clarity, and balanced risk-sharing to support private investment.
