*ISLAMABAD: *Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, whose visit to thecountry was earlier scheduled for February 16, is arriving in Pakistan onFebruary 17, it has been decided in principle.
Pakistan is likely to sign a number of investment deals, including theconstruction of a multi-billion-dollar oil refinery in the port city ofGwadar during the upcoming visit.
The Saudi crown prince will follow-up on agreements signed between the twocountries during Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to KSA last year.
Saudi Arabia agreed to provide $6 billion lifeline to Pakistan followingthe second visit of the prime minister, as the agreement could not bereached during his September visit to the kingdom.
Prince Salman will participate in an international investment conferencescheduled to be held at a five-star hotel in the capital.
According to sources, a 40-member Saudi delegation, and over 100 Saudi andPakistani business leaders will attend the international event.
The forum will deliberate on energy, petro chemicals, housing, tourism inPunjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, as well as sign MoUs in this regard.
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Negotiations will also be held to attract Saudi investment in Bahawalpursolar plants, and power plants in Haveli Bahadur Shah and Bhikki.
Meanwhile, agreements on exploration of minerals in the poverty-strickenBalochistan are also expected to be signed.
Earlier this month, Saudi Adviser for Energy and Mineral Resources AhmadAl-Ghamdi had said representatives of a Saudi company, Aqua Power, wouldsoon be visiting Pakistan to introduce renewable energy technologies —including solar and wind power.
While the Saudi crown prince will be the keynote speaker of the conference,Prime Minister Imran Khan will make the concluding address.
