Khalid Majid, Pakistan’s consul-general here in Saudi Arabia, has strongly emphasized the importance of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia at the 2nd Investment Opportunities Summit and Smart Expo in Jeddah. At the inaugural session, he emphasized the economic achievements of both countries and his conviction that this event will have a great deal of positive impact on bilateral cooperation opportunities.
The summit, which has been organized by the Pakistan Association of Exhibition Industry, has attracted several Saudi and Pakistani business representatives, with a plethora of Pakistani companies showcasing their products on medical tourism, education, real estate, and hospitality.
Majid mentioned that there are about 2.7 million people of Pakistani origin residing in Saudi Arabia, thereby indicating the relationship that they share. Over 1.7 million Pakistani workers have migrated to the Kingdom over the last five years, making Saudi Arabia an obvious top destination for Pakistani emigrants. He appreciated the contributions made by the Pakistani workforce, which he called the emissary of the economic partnership between the two countries.
He further informed that the Consulate had recently launched the Pakistan Investor Forum in Jeddah to create linkages between Pakistani investors and businesses based in Saudi Arabia. According to Majid, there has been an increase in Pakistani exports to Saudi Arabia by 22% due to joint efforts by the business communities of both countries. Majid underscored the need to keep that strong forward motion going and expand the market share within Saudi Arabia.
The Consul General also mentioned the recent visit of a 130-member Saudi business delegation to Islamabad, during which 27 MOUs were signed in several sectors, highlighting mutual business interests. He also mentioned the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) of Pakistan, which prioritizes investors, especially from Saudi Arabia, for a secure investment environment.