Pakistan emerging top investment destination for global investors

Monitoring Desk

RIYADH: Pakistan is fast emerging as a top investment destination in the world, said Naeem Zamindar while addressing the Saudi investors in Pakistan Investment Seminar 2018 held at Riyadh Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.

Engineer Ibrahim Al-Omar, governor of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) was the chief guest on the occasion.

Khan Hasham Bin Saddique, the ambassador of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia, Nawaf Almaliki, the ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan and Engineer Ahmed bin Suleiman Alrajhi, the chairman of Riyadh Chamber were also in attendance, according to a statement.

The seminar was jointly organised by the Pakistan Board of Investment, Council of Saudi Chambers, Riyadh Chamber and Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh. The purpose of the seminar was to showcase the investment opportunities available in Pakistan under an attractive investment regime laced with incentives and guarantees.

More than 150 Saudi Arabian companies participated in the event. The ambassador of Pakistan lauded the decision of government of Saudi Arabia to appoint a commercial counselor to Pakistan. He thanked the Saudi companies for their enthusiastic participation in seminar.

He said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were increasing collaboration to devise frameworks and streamline rules in various areas. “All these factors render Pakistan as a natural and attractive choice for investment by Saudi businessmen.”

The participants were briefed in detail by the chairman Board of Investment about the growth trajectories of the country as acknowledged by the world-repute institutions and its growing attractiveness as the world’s favorite destination of investment. He stated that under the guidance of the Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the Board of Investment was reforming to create a business and environment friendly environment.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the resulting role of Pakistan as an economic and connectivity hub were also discussed in detail.

The Saudi investors were also given detailed information about potential of various sectors in Pakistan and the specific projects available as immediate and long term investment opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, the governor of SAGIA stated that Pakistan was like their second home. He reiterated the resolve of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance the level of mutual investments between the two brother countries. He acknowledged that Pakistan has a great scope of collaboration with Saudi Arabia, especially regarding the opportunities arising as a result of transformation drive of the Kingdom.

The Riyadh Chamber chairman also appreciated the long established relations between the Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and urged greater economic cooperation.

During the interactive session, reputable business groups exhibited their keen interest in starting business in Pakistan. They were invited to visit Pakistan and were assured of full support by the government of Pakistan.