VEON Ltd and Nutshell Group have formalised a strategic partnership to launch Global Connect, an international platform aimed at deepening cross-border investment, digital transformation and long-term economic cooperation across emerging and frontier markets. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at VEON’s global headquarters in Dubai on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit, establishing a framework for collaboration on digital innovation, inclusive growth and investment facilitation.
The signing brought together senior government officials and industry leaders, including Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance and Railways and Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit; H. E. Shafqat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE; VEON Founder and Chairman Augie K. Fabela II; VEON Global CEO Kaan Terzioglu; Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder and Chairman of Nutshell Group; and Aamir Hafeez Ibrahim, CEO of JazzWorld. Their participation underlined shared momentum behind the Global Connect agenda and strong public‑private engagement.
Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani highlighted Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic stability and said such partnerships send a clear signal to global investors. He reaffirmed government support for initiatives that enhance digitalisation and facilitate foreign capital, noting Pakistan’s strengthened policy environment and investor confidence.
Muhammad Azfar Ahsan said Global Connect is designed to convert intent into execution by linking global capital, technology and markets with credible on‑the‑ground opportunities. “Our goal is to connect global capital, technology, and markets with credible opportunities, fostering long-term partnerships, continuity, and trust,” he said, underscoring the platform’s role in sustaining international engagement for Pakistan.
VEON leadership reaffirmed the group’s long‑term commitment to Pakistan through the Invest in Pakistan Now initiative, emphasising the potential of digital platforms to expand financial inclusion, broaden economic participation and boost productivity. JazzWorld’s CEO Aamir Hafeez Ibrahim added that Pakistan’s scale, resilience and growing digital infrastructure position the country well for its next phase of growth and that Global Connect will help investors better understand opportunities on the ground.
The inaugural Global Connect meeting is scheduled for Islamabad in May 2026 and will convene leaders from more than 25 countries to develop practical pathways for sustainable and inclusive growth. Headquartered in Islamabad, Global Connect is also establishing strategic presences in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Tashkent, Astana, Cairo, Nairobi, Beijing, Hong Kong, Washington, New York, Toronto, Istanbul and London to deepen linkages among investors, businesses, policymakers and institutions.
Industry figures and international guests at the Dubai signing included representatives from Engro Holdings, UAE government AI advisory, blockchain and emerging tech investors, and senior executives from multinational financial and corporate firms, reflecting broad support for the platform. With Global Connect, stakeholders aim to create a durable bridge between Pakistan and the global community to accelerate investment, trade and knowledge exchange.
