Saudi Arabia’s Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih expressed optimism about the strengthening economic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia during his address at the Pakistan-Saudi Business Forum in Islamabad. He said the meetings between the trade delegations of both countries remained effective.
Al-Falih highlighted that the agreements reached during the meetings are legally binding, signifying strong protections for investments in Pakistan. He added that the focus is on facilitating private sector involvement within a government-to-government framework, with a vision to open doors for private investment while mitigating risks.
On the other hand, Minister for Investment, Communications, and Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan briefed the Saudi delegation about the numerous investment opportunities available in Pakistan. He pointed out that sectors like communications, particularly the M6 and M9 motorways, present profitable projects for Saudi investors.
"Communications, privatization, and investment sectors have the best business model," Khan remarked.
Khan emphasized the need to swiftly complete the Karachi-Hyderabad and Sukkur motorways, aiming to connect Karachi Port with the national motorway network.
Abdul Aleem Khan further stated that Pakistan welcomes all forms of Saudi cooperation, and a number of government departments are currently in the pipeline for privatization, offering the potential for immediate returns on investment. Additionally, public-private partnership projects will be presented to the Saudi business community to explore further collaboration.
The Saudi delegation, led by Al-Falih, showed keen interest in these investment opportunities, expressing their support for the initiatives outlined by Khan. The Saudi minister said they would make this visit to Pakistan more beneficial, for which the Saudi delegation, the business community and the government officials expressed interest and assured of their support.
Federal Ministers Musadik Malik, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahsan Iqbal, Jam Kamal Khan, and Awais Leghari also participated in the discussions, alongside senior government officials. The forum underscored the commitment from both nations to strengthen economic ties, with the Saudi business community showing a strong interest in investing in key sectors of Pakistan's economy.
