PM urges Pakistan's private sector to fortify economic relationship with Saudi Arabia

Addressing Saudi-Pakistan Investment Forum in Riyadh today [Monday], he hoped the private sectors of the two countries would take full advantage of close and cordial bilateral relations to realize the untapped potential in the fields of trade, business, and investment.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan offers a strong and large consumer market of over 220 million, with an ever-expanding middle class.

He highlighted the Pakistan government's liberal and investor-friendly policies.

He underlined that the government is committed to providing an enabling environment to strengthen the investor-friendly dispensation in the country.

Imran Khan underlined that the geo-strategic position offers Pakistan distinctive opportunities to stimulate intra-region trade by building regional connectivity on modern lines.

To realize that potential, the Prime Minister underscored the historic shift in Pakistan's strategic focus from geo-politics to geo-economics.

He said Pakistan has excellent relations with China and that there could be further economic dividends if the unresolved dispute of Jammu and Kashmir is peacefully resolved with India.

Reaffirming Pakistan's long-standing deep fraternal relations with Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister underscored the reverence Pakistanis have for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and gratitude for Saudi Arabia's abiding support to Pakistan at every juncture.

He said Pakistan will always stand with Saudi Arabia against any threat to its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Addressing the Forum, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi focused on Pakistan's shift from geopolitics to geo-economics.

Adviser on Finance Shaukat Tarin highlighted the economic resurgence of Pakistan. Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar outlined the vast opportunities in energy, agriculture, livestock, and other key sectors.

In his keynote address, Saudi Minister for Investment Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih underscored the longstanding and abiding ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and reaffirmed the resolve to further deepen bilateral trade, investment, and business links.

SOURCE: RADIO PAKISTAN