Pakistan Urges Saudi-Based Entrepreneurs to Invest in Pakistan

Minister for the Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has urged Pakistani entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia to invest in Pakistan and develop joint ventures between the two countries. He made the remarks at a reception in his honor in Jeddah, attended by members of the Pakistani business community including Chaudhry Tariq Iqbal and Ali Malik, owner of Kababish Hotel Jeddah.

Where the Opportunities Lie

Sheikh highlighted investment opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, information technology and digital services, mining and minerals, manufacturing, energy, logistics, tourism, and export-oriented industries, saying the Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia could play an important role in strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

Cutting Red Tape

The minister outlined government efforts to reduce regulatory barriers, noting that more than 500 regulatory reforms had been introduced to simplify procedures and reduce compliance requirements for businesses and investors.

One-Window Support

Sheikh highlighted Pakistan's Business Facilitation Centers, which provide investors access to registrations, licences, NOCs, approvals, and other business services through a single streamlined mechanism. He also pointed to Special Economic Zones offering dedicated infrastructure and investment incentives for industrial production, exports, and international partnerships.

The Board of Investment's Role

The Federal Minister underlined the BOI's role in facilitating domestic and foreign investors, promoting Pakistan as an investment destination, and coordinating with relevant institutions to help investors navigate the process. He called on Pakistani businesses in Saudi Arabia to bring investment, technology, and expertise home, and to help develop partnerships between Saudi and Pakistani companies.