Pakistan is stepping up efforts to attract Chinese fintech investment as it expands its digital finance ecosystem and works to modernize its largely cash-based economy. The focus is on improving access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), strengthening financial inclusion, and supporting technology-led growth.
The push was highlighted during a meeting in Islamabad between Federal Minister for the Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and a delegation from Fintopia China, a financial technology firm exploring opportunities in Pakistan’s digital lending and SME finance market. Officials presented Pakistan as a high-potential destination for fintech investment, citing its large population, rising smartphone adoption, and rapid growth in branchless banking, digital wallets, and mobile payments.
The Fintopia delegation expressed strong interest in launching digital financing operations in Pakistan and in building structured collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders. Government representatives outlined ongoing regulatory reforms, including the Business Facilitation Center and the Asaan Karobar Act, aimed at easing market entry and reducing compliance barriers for foreign investors.
Pakistani officials also highlighted incentives available through special economic zones and reaffirmed government support for pilot projects and long-term fintech investments. The engagement follows Fintopia’s participation in a Pakistan-China investment conference held in Beijing earlier this year during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China.
The initiative reflects Pakistan’s broader strategy to leverage digital finance to formalize the economy, widen the tax base, and extend credit to underserved groups, particularly SMEs and youth-led enterprises, positioning fintech as a central pillar of long-term economic transformation.
