Pakistan invites Saudi to invest across key sectors

Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has urged Pakistani businesspeople based in Saudi Arabia to invest in Pakistan and enter joint ventures, Mettis Global reported. Speaking at a reception hosted by the community in Jeddah, he listed agriculture, information technology, mining, manufacturing, energy, logistics and tourism among the areas open to investors. He argued that the diaspora could link the two countries by bringing capital, technology, expertise and international business contacts.

The minister said the government had carried out more than 500 regulatory reforms to simplify procedures, cut unnecessary barriers and lower compliance costs. He also cited the Business Facilitation Center (BFC), a one-window body that coordinates permits, licences, NOCs and clearances under a single framework. Special Economic Zones were also highlighted, offering dedicated infrastructure, facilitation and incentives.

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said the government wants a setting where procedures are quicker, easier to follow and more predictable. He urged Pakistanis settled in the kingdom to help build partnerships between the two countries and explore joint ventures in emerging fields. The reception also gave community members a chance to talk about investment, reforms, SEZs and possible ways to deepen bilateral business relations.