ISLAMABAD: On Tuesday, Pakistani Commerce and Interior Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz held discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, expressing a commitment to fortify business relations. This move precedes a forthcoming visit to Riyadh by a delegation comprising prominent Pakistani industrialists.
The enduring rapport between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, underscored by the presence of approximately 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates in the Kingdom, was emphasized. This expatriate community contributes significantly as the largest source of foreign remittances to Pakistan. Recent extensive visits by high-ranking Pakistani officials to Saudi Arabia have aimed at enhancing trade ties and fostering employment opportunities for expatriates.
Following the meeting, Dr. Gohar’s office stated, “The meeting affirmed the intention to enhance business-to-business relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.” Dr. Gohar Ejaz highlighted investment prospects in Pakistan’s steel and petrochemical industries, encouraging Saudi industrialists to explore these opportunities. Additionally, steps were being taken to bolster collaboration in the IT sector between the two nations.
Referring to a previous visit by a delegation of 15 leading Pakistani IT companies to Saudi Arabia, the statement emphasized the signed agreements that aim to expedite digital transformation, promote innovation, and advance digital infrastructure. These accords also focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and facilitating the exchange of information on accelerators and incubators.
A noteworthy development is the establishment of a special task force designed to promote digital cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
During the meeting, the commerce minister also highlighted the scenic beauty of Pakistan’s northern mountainous regions and proposed the development of luxury resorts in these areas. The statement indicated that a delegation comprising ten of Pakistan’s top industrialists is anticipated to visit Riyadh, although specific dates for the trip were not provided.
