The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), in partnership with the Government of Pakistan, has successfully concluded the inaugural Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum 2025 (DFDI) in Islamabad, gathering 700 global leaders. The two-day event, held from April 29-30, 2025, served as a strategic platform to discuss ways to redefine digital investment frameworks and explore new opportunities for international collaboration.
A key highlight of the forum was the launch of the Digital FDI Pakistan Insight Report, outlining the country’s pioneering approach to digital development. Pakistan became the first nation to implement the DCO Digital FDI Initiative across its four core pillars, identifying six strategic priority actions aimed at attracting sustained digital investment.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s pride in leading the way in digital transformation. “The success of DFDI is a testament to our commitment to fostering a thriving, investment-friendly, digitally enabled economy through a multistakeholder approach. With the support of DCO and our partners, we are creating a sustainable blueprint that will benefit not only Pakistan but all nations undergoing digital transformation,” said Sharif.
During the forum, Prime Minister Sharif recognized the leadership of DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya for advancing Pakistan’s digital FDI ecosystem, which has already attracted over $700 million in digital economy inflows. The event saw participation from over 45 countries, with more than 40 international companies and startups showcasing their products. Over 30 global speakers and 50 CEOs from leading IT firms also attended, underscoring the international interest in Pakistan’s digital economy.
Deemah AlYahya, DCO Secretary-General, thanked the Government of Pakistan for its efforts in enabling the success of DFDI. “This forum has demonstrated the transformative power of investment in bridging digital divides and accelerating sustainable growth,” she said. “The DCO remains committed to building a global investment environment where all nations can harness digital innovation for inclusive growth.”
Pakistan, one of the founding members of the DCO, is strategically positioning itself as a leader in the digital economy, preparing to take over the organization’s presidency in 2026. The country aims to drive global discussions, partnerships, and innovations that will shape the future of digital investment.
The DCO, established in November 2020, is the world’s first standalone international intergovernmental organization focused on accelerating the growth of an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. The organization brings together the Ministries of Communications and Information Technology of its member states, aiming to empower youth, women, and entrepreneurs while promoting cross-border collaboration and digital inclusion.
Through its initiatives, the DCO seeks to create equitable digital economies and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has a fair opportunity to thrive in the digital economy.
