ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is fast emerging as a top investment destination inthe world, said Naeem Zamindar while addressing the Saudi investors inPakistan Investment Seminar 2018 held at Riyadh Chamber of Commerce onTuesday.
Engineer Ibrahim Al-Omar, governor of Saudi Arabian General InvestmentAuthority (SAGIA) was the chief guest on the occasion.
Khan Hasham Bin Saddique, the ambassador of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia, NawafAlmaliki, the ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan and Engineer Ahmed binSuleiman 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 inRiyadh. The purpose of the seminar was to showcase the investmentopportunities available in Pakistan under an attractive investment regimelaced with incentives and guarantees.
More than 150 Saudi Arabian companies participated in the event. Theambassador of Pakistan lauded the decision of government of Saudi Arabia toappoint a commercial counselor to Pakistan. He thanked the Saudi companiesfor their enthusiastic participation in seminar.
He said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were increasing collaboration todevise frameworks and streamline rules in various areas. “All these factorsrender Pakistan as a natural and attractive choice for investment by Saudibusinessmen.”
The participants were briefed in detail by the chairman Board of Investmentabout the growth trajectories of the country as acknowledged by theworld-repute institutions and its growing attractiveness as the world’sfavorite destination of investment. He stated that under the guidance ofthe Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the Board of Investment wasreforming to create a business and environment friendly environment.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the resulting role of Pakistanas an economic and connectivity hub were also discussed in detail.
The Saudi investors were also given detailed information about potential ofvarious sectors in Pakistan and the specific projects available asimmediate and long term investment opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, the governor of SAGIA statedthat Pakistan was like their second home. He reiterated the resolve of theKingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance the level of mutual investments betweenthe two brother countries. He acknowledged that Pakistan has a great scopeof collaboration with Saudi Arabia, especially regarding the opportunitiesarising as a result of transformation drive of the Kingdom.
The Riyadh Chamber chairman also appreciated the long established relationsbetween the Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and urged greater economiccooperation.
During the interactive session, reputable business groups exhibited theirkeen interest in starting business in Pakistan. They were invited to visitPakistan and were assured of full support by the government of Pakistan.