Pakistan invites Saudi to invest across key sectors

October 01, 2026 (MLN): Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has invited Pakistani businessmen based in Saudi Arabia to invest in Pakistan and pursue joint ventures across agriculture, IT, mining, manufacturing, energy, logistics and tourism.

Speaking at a reception hosted by Pakistani businessmen in Jeddah, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said the Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia could serve as an economic bridge between the two countries by bringing investment, technology, expertise and international business networks to Pakistan.

The minister said the government had implemented more than 500 regulatory reforms aimed at simplifying procedures, removing unnecessary regulatory barriers and reducing compliance costs for businesses and investors.

He also highlighted the role of the Business Facilitation Center (BFC), which provides one-window facilitation by bringing registrations, licences, NOCs, approvals and other business-related services under a coordinated mechanism.

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said Pakistan offers investment opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, information technology and digital services, mining and minerals, manufacturing, energy, logistics, tourism and export-oriented industries.

He pointed to Pakistan’s natural resources, domestic market, strategic location and expanding digital economy as areas that could support long-term investment partnerships.

The minister also highlighted opportunities in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), where investors can benefit from dedicated infrastructure, facilitation and investment incentives.

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said the government was seeking to create an investment environment where businesses could experience a simpler, faster and more predictable process.

He particularly encouraged Pakistani entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia to facilitate Saudi-Pakistan business partnerships and explore joint ventures in emerging sectors.

The reception also provided an opportunity for members of the Pakistani business community to discuss investment opportunities, regulatory reforms, SEZs and avenues for greater economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.