Federal Minister for Investment, Board of Investment (BOI), Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, held a meeting with a delegation of the Saudi Investment Forum, led by Kunwar Qutbuddin and accompanied by Engr. Ghulam Safdar, President, Pakistan Investor & Business Forum (PIBF), along with Raja Riaz, Chairman, Mokamela International LLC. The meeting focused on strengthening Pakistan–Saudi Arabia economic relations, promoting business-to-business linkages and facilitating greater Saudi investment in Pakistan.
The delegation briefed the Federal Minister about the Saudi Investment Forum, its structure and objectives. The delegation informed that the previously separate forums established in Riyadh and Jeddah have now been consolidated into a single forum for Saudi Arabia, bringing together a network of more than 400 businesses. The delegation emphasized that the forum comprises bona fide businesses and aims to provide a credible platform for strengthening commercial, investment and business-to-business linkages.
The delegation highlighted the rapidly growing role of Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for business, trade and investment, noting the expanding opportunities for businesses and investors to establish partnerships, joint ventures and long-term commercial engagements.
The visiting delegation thanked Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh for sparing valuable time for the meeting and appreciated his efforts for promoting Pakistan and advancing the country’s investment agenda. The delegation particularly appreciated the Minister’s strong understanding of the business community and private sector, given his own extensive business background.
It was highlighted that Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has served as President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), while his son has served as President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) and his cousin as President of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI).
Welcoming the delegation, Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said that the Government of Pakistan attaches the highest importance to its brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia and is committed to further strengthening the economic and investment dimension of these historic ties.
The Minister said that Pakistan welcomes genuine Saudi investors and business groups and assured the delegation that the Board of Investment will provide full facilitation to bona fide companies interested in investing in Pakistan. He said BOI would facilitate investors in identifying suitable opportunities, coordinating with relevant government institutions and addressing issues that may arise during the investment process.
Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh briefed the delegation about the role of Honorary Investment Counsellors of the Board of Investment, who contribute towards promoting Pakistan’s investment potential in international markets, highlighting investment opportunities and strengthening Pakistan’s image among prospective investors.
The Federal Minister emphasized that BOI is working proactively to attract investment by showcasing Pakistan’s diverse investment opportunities and strengthening engagement with international business communities, particularly in key markets such as the Middle East.
He highlighted the Government of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to improve the country’s business and investment environment through regulatory reforms, aimed at eliminating unnecessary procedures, simplifying regulatory requirements and facilitating businesses and investors.
The Minister said that the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is personally focused on promoting investment and improving the ease of doing business in Pakistan. He added that the government is taking concrete measures to create a more investor-friendly environment and remove hurdles faced by the business community.
The Federal Minister also highlighted the Business Facilitation Center (BFC), an important initiative of the Board of Investment designed to provide investors and businesses with a more efficient and coordinated interface with government departments. He said the BFC is playing an important role in facilitating businesses and helping address regulatory and procedural challenges through a single-window approach.
Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said that Pakistan possesses significant investment potential across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, information technology, mining, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, logistics, food processing, tourism and other emerging sectors. He encouraged Saudi investors to explore these opportunities and assured them of the government’s full support.
Speaking about his own experience, the Federal Minister said, “I am a businessman myself and understand the importance of investment, business confidence and a conducive business environment.” He emphasized that his background and long association with the business community enable him to understand the practical challenges faced by investors and entrepreneurs.
The Minister also highlighted his commitment to philanthropy and social development, particularly in the field of education, and referred to his contribution towards establishing FAST University in Chiniot.
Emphasizing the special nature of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations, the Federal Minister described Saudi Arabia as a brotherly country and an important economic partner of Pakistan. He noted the deep people-to-people ties between the two countries and the important contribution of the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia to Pakistan’s economy.
The delegation invited Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh to participate in a future investment conference being planned by the Saudi Investment Forum. The Minister welcomed the invitation and expressed his readiness to engage with Saudi investors and business leaders to further promote Pakistan’s investment opportunities.
The delegation expressed confidence that closer engagement between the Saudi Investment Forum and the Board of Investment would help translate existing business interest into concrete investment projects, joint ventures and long-term partnerships.
Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh reiterated that the Board of Investment remains committed to facilitating bona fide Saudi investors and providing every possible support to convert investment interest into tangible projects and mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
He said Pakistan looks forward to welcoming more Saudi investment and further strengthening the economic relationship between the two brotherly countries.
